You could've made a lawsuit based on 2 important things. 1) all dentists should have you sign a medical agreement prior to surgery that makes you aware of the possibilities of damage to your jaw or teeth before the surgery is actually performed. If your dentist failed to have you sign this agreement then he/she can be held liable. 2) in your post you mentioned it's been about a year since the doctor broke your jaw. Did your symptoms occur immediately after your jaw was broke? If they came on immediately after and an agreement had been signed then the doctor is not liable. If they came on immediately after and an agreement had not been signed you should have taken legal action long before now.