Cosmetic surgery can involve a wide range of procedures that restore or reshape a patient’s face or body. More than simply performing medically enhanced beautification, doctors and staff can reconstruct parts of the body after medically necessary surgeries or devastating injuries and enable patients to feel more confident and comfortable. Unfortunately, the results do not always measure up to what was expected or promised.
Medical malpractice due to error
Despite the fact that cosmetic surgery is often elective, doctors still have an obligation to meet the standard of care. If this does not happen, they should be held accountable for their mistakes or actions. Common examples of plastic surgery-related medical malpractice include:
- Surgery on the wrong part of the body and other surgical errors
- Improper implementation of an implant leading to malfunction
- Damage to nerves
- Unsightly scarring
- Wrongful death
Medical malpractice due to poor judgment
Sometimes the surgery turns out satisfactory, but other details about improper behavior by the medical providers come to light. Examples include:
- Posting unauthorized photos online of the patient having surgery
- Posting or sharing unauthorized photos of nude patients
- Strange or disrespectful behavior during the procedure, such as dancing while performing surgery
Consult your attorney
Personal injury attorneys with experience handling medical malpractice can be a tremendous asset during traumatic times. Lawsuits can help people seek compensation for time away from work, expenses related to the surgery and potential future implications caused by the error. The amount of the settlement depends on the circumstances, but most lawyers will represent victims on a contingency fee basis, so they don’t have to pay unless they win a settlement or judgment.
