Cosmetic Surgery Errors
August 16, 2018
People decide to undergo cosmetic surgery for several reasons, ranging from fixing a large or crooked nose, a desire to appear younger, thinner, or more attractive, to removing a disfiguring scar. Whatever the reason, cosmetic surgery comes with the same risks as other surgical procedures. Unfortunately, a botched cosmetic surgery can cause devastating physical and emotional scars. In extreme cases, an error can cause serious, even fatal complications. If the surgeon in charge was negligent in any way, he or she may be liable for the resulting injuries.
Like any surgeon, plastic or cosmetic surgeons have a responsibility to perform a procedure in the same way that another surgeon would carry out the same procedure. If the execution of the surgery does not meet the minimum standards accepted by the medical community, the surgeon may be held liable for any resulting injuries. The following are examples of common causes of cosmetic surgery malpractice:
- Medical professionals performing cosmetic surgeries who are not board-certified plastic surgeons
- Performing procedures in a private office rather than a hospital that is equipped to handle unexpected complications
- Using nurse anesthetists to save costs when anesthesiologists should be present
- Failing to take a full, detailed patient history
- Operating on the wrong body part
- Performing a procedure that exceeds the patient’s informed consent
Common Injuries from Plastic Surgery Errors
A botched plastic surgery procedure can cause extremely devastating physical deformities, as well as potentially life-threatening conditions. The following are examples of injuries that result from plastic surgery errors:
- Considerable scarring
- Drooping of the skin at the surgical site
- Disfigurement
- Infection
- Skin discoloration, bruising, and other skin irregularities
- Excessive bleeding
- Paralysis
- Pneumonia
- Adverse reactions to medication or anesthesia
- Death
Stigma Associated with Plastic Surgery
Unlike other surgical malpractice suits, victims of plastic surgery errors often face a unique set of issues when pursuing a malpractice lawsuit. Oftentimes, juries are unsympathetic towards cosmetic surgery patients because they consider plastic surgery to be an unnecessary medical procedure that people pursue simply to look younger, slimmer, or more attractive to other people. Because the individual did not have a legitimate medical condition that needed fixing, juries tend to feel less than generous when it comes to awarding damages.
In addition, because these procedures are often elective and not always covered by insurance, juries assume that the plaintiff must have an expendable amount of income to be able to afford the procedure. However, if the patient’s injuries were caused by the negligence of the surgeon, he or she may be eligible for economic damages, like medical bills and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages, like pain and suffering and wrongful death. A skilled medical malpractice lawyer can ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Advocate for Victims of Plastic Surgery Errors
If you or a loved one has been injured during a plastic surgery procedure, do not hesitate to contact the Baltimore medical malpractice lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. If your healthcare professional failed to provide the exceptional medical care that you deserve, we will investigate the details of your case and ensure that your surgeon is held responsible for your injuries. Our dedicated team will pursue the maximum financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent medical malpractice victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.
