Personal injury as the result of a routine cosmetic procedure happens more often than you may realize.
Though most cosmetic procedures and plastic surgeries result in no considerable complications or aftereffects, some patients suffer serious injury as a result. Medical errors can occur due to negligence, often caused by a health professional who fails to meet the acceptable standard of care, or is improperly trained or unqualified to perform the procedure.
Victims of medical negligence can seek financial compensation for their injuries by filing malpractice claims.
Injuries from Nonsurgical Cosmetic Procedures
According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), the most common nonsurgical cosmetic procedures are Botox and hyaluronic injections. Following those in popularity are laser hair removal, chemical peels and microdermabrasion.
These cosmetic procedures do not require a skilled plastic surgeon and are often performed by doctors who lack any specialized training. In many cases, nurses, dentists or estheticians administer these potentially dangerous treatments.
Nonsurgical procedures can result in several types of damage or injury. In some cases, patients suffer burns, scarring, infection or loss of skin pigmentation. More rarely, these procedures can cause permanent nerve damage.
Injuries from Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic surgeries must be conducted by a qualified surgeon with extensive training and experience in carrying out plastic surgery procedures.
Liposuction and breast augmentation are the most frequently performed surgeries, with eyelid surgeries, tummy tucks and rhinoplasties not far behind.
Like nonsurgical procedures, cosmetic surgeries can lead to infection and scarring. Other, more serious types of injury also can occur. Hemorrhaging and internal bleeding happen in some cases, and nerve damage, tissue damage or tissue death is possible.
Some patients end up disfigured, or even die as a result of cosmetic surgery.
Filing a Medical Malpractice Claim
When patients suffer an injury as the result of a negligent medical error, they may require additional costly procedures, including reconstructive and revision surgeries.
Some patients may be left with lifelong injuries. Emotional or psychological trauma from the damage is a common result, particularly in cases where the botched surgery results are easily visible or cause a great deal of pain.
Though these cosmetic procedures and surgeries are voluntary, patients do not forfeit the right to competent medical care, and those who suffer personal injury are entitled to compensation for their losses.
An attorney can file a malpractice claim to hold the negligent party responsible and recover financial damages for medical costs, lost wages, loss of future income and pain and suffering.
The Montgomery Dowdle Law Office of Boise, Idaho, has almost three decades of experience in assisting victims of medical malpractice. Contact one of our experienced attorneys today to discuss your case.
We can help you negotiate the complex legal aspects of a medical negligence lawsuit, and help you to get the proper compensation for your personal injury, pain and suffering.