Medical Errors in Cosmetic Surgery
December 17, 2018
The cosmetic surgery industry is a booming business. In 2014 alone, there were 10 million cosmetic surgeries performed, resulting in over 12 billion dollars spent on these procedures, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. However, when a medical mistake happens during a plastic surgery procedure, the patient can suffer serious consequences ranging from disfiguring scars to life-threatening infections. In extreme cases, the complications can be fatal. A skilled medical malpractice lawyer can recommend the best legal course of action if you have been injured during a plastic surgery procedure.
In May 2018, an article was published in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, which discussed a malpractice lawsuit involving a patient who suffered permanent brain damage after a plastic surgeon engaged in unsafe practices and used unqualified staff during the procedure. The report also found that while the doctor who performed the procedure is a board-certified dermatologist, she is not a board-certified plastic surgeon or general surgeon. This is one of the most common causes of cosmetic surgery malpractice.
Common Causes of Cosmetic Surgery Malpractice
In addition to procedures involving unqualified medical staff, other common causes of cosmetic surgery malpractice include using nurse anesthetists instead of anesthesiologists to save money, a failure to consider full patient history prior to the surgery, and conducting the procedure in an office instead of a hospital. Unlike a hospital setting, private offices may not have the equipment and staff readily available to handle unexpected complications. Another common cause of cosmetic surgery malpractice involves performing the procedure on the wrong body part.
Fortunately, most plastic surgeons are highly skilled medical professionals whose top priority is to perform a successful procedure while also protecting the patient’s health and safety. However, it is important for patients to understand that cosmetic surgeries come with the same risk as any other surgical procedure. It is also important for victims of plastic surgery errors to be prepared for some of the challenges they may face when pursuing a medical malpractice case against their surgeon. For example, some juries may be unsympathetic toward the patient because the surgery was simply an attempt to look younger or more attractive. In addition, since these procedures are elective, they are not typically covered by insurance. As a result, the patient must have a certain amount of expendable income, which can also make juries less sympathetic. An experienced medical malpractice lawyer can guide you through the claims process and ensure that your rights are protected.
Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Cosmetic Surgery Errors
If you have been seriously injured during a cosmetic surgical procedure, and you believe your surgeon was negligent, you are urged to contact the Baltimore medical malpractice lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton as soon as possible. We will investigate the details of your case and determine whether your surgeon was negligent in any way. Our dedicated team will secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a free 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.
