Are they trying to intimidate me??

[Temmp]

Name changed for privacy reasons.
So, I am currently in dispute with a dentist who messed up a dental cosmetic procedure big time. He has apologised for said mess up, it was an accident, but is insisting I still pay, saying that regardless of outcome, he has incurred costs by treating me. I have refused to pay, citing a poor standard of treatment and care. The next stage of this dispute is a mediation meeting I initiated (he is registered with a mediation organisation for private health related businesses.)
I don't want go into too much detail, but the mess up has had all sorts of implications for my health and also my mental health. Eg. I can’t face going out at the moment, I just want to hide away. I’ve been on anti-biotics for weeks now which have screwed up my insides. I feel physically and emotionally all over the place. Despite going private , I dont have much spare cash. If I pay him, Im stuck with his error. If I don't pay him, I could potentially look into having further treatment elsewhere to try to sort out the error. However, he insists I pay.
Earlier today I found out from the mediator that the dentist is bringing not only his dental nurse to the meeting, but also the manager of the entire chain ie the CEO. So there will be me, then 3 members of the dental company including the most senior one possible, and then the mediator.
Is this fair?? It feels heavy handed. It’s not even as if I’m threatening to sue them, I just don’t want to pay for the sub-standard treatment I received. Any words of advice on how to handle this? Im pissed off!

Have you got someone you could take? Doesn’t need to be a legal expert, just someone who understands your perspective and can be calm, rational and supportive.

I wonder if there's any mileage in you contacting a no win no fee solicitor? I have used one twice after car accident and it was an easy process. I Googled and see there are plenty to choose from on dental negligence.
Ask the mediator if this is normal practice and maybe try telling them that you have not consented to this and will feel intimidated. Also ask for details of the procedure being followed and say that you want to bring your own support with you. If necessary they will have to postpone the meeting while you arrange that.

Check your home insurance policy - you might have legal expense cover. Would give you access to free legal advice and you might be able to get cover to pursue a claim for breach of contract.

@ItsCalledAConversation Yes my friend will come if I ask her.

@Honnomushi @Newspeaker Yes my next step will be exactly that. Just need to get through the mediation first!

Take a friend, tell them you are recording the meeting too.

I’m a commercial mediator (corporate/employment) and this wouldn’t be allowed.

OP, just tell the mediator that you’re not comfortable with anything other than 1-to-1 and, if they insist on having three people, you’ll withdraw.

@AnOKYearForTheRoses Im so glad you said that. I couldn't believe that the mediator seemed to think it was fine. She did kind of pass it by me, but not overtly in a 'you can refuse' kind of way, and it was only later I wondered if I could have said no

I may well pull out.

Perhaps it might reassure you in the meantime if you consulted a few other specialists for treatment options/cost to repair damage? Just talking to another dentist or two would probably give you some support and relief for your MH? Don't let anyone rush you to any settlement.

What actually went wrong op?

As well as looking at your home insurance for legal advice, as pp’s have suggested, you may also find this on your car insurance or RAC cover.
I would also advise you get another professional opinion.