For centuries now, many people have been undergoing procedures to modify their appearance. In the United States, an estimated two million cosmetic surgeries are performed each year and another nine million minimally invasive procedures are done. Liposuction, tummy tucks, facelifts, eyelid surgery, dermabrasion, breast and lip augmentation and rhinoplasty are just a few examples of procedures. There are several different reasons why people go under the knife. Whether you are trying to enhance your beauty or undergoing reconstructive surgery, your cosmetic surgeon is responsible for your safety.
Cosmetic surgery is no different than any other type of surgical procedure, there is always some amount of risk associated. Your surgeon must inform you about the dangers associated with the procedure and the likelihood that they may occur If your surgeon fails to do this and also fails to provide you with the treatment that a reasonable cosmetic surgeon would have provided under similar circumstances then you may have a medical malpractice case. Sometimes surgical errors can lead to severe injuries or even be fatal. Common risks associated with procedures are as follows:
- Scarring
- Allergic reactions
- Blood clotting
- Infections
- Nerve damage
- Necrosis
- Excessive bleeding
- Skin discoloration
LAWSUIT REQUIREMENTS
To pursue a lawsuit against a cosmetic surgeon, you must demonstrate the establishment of a surgeon-patient relationship. After that, you must show that the surgeon failed to provide you with the standard of care that a competent surgeon would have provided under similar circumstances which caused you injuries and resulted in damages. The statute of limitations in the state of Maryland limits a plaintiff to three years to file a claim against a surgeon in this type of case.
LEGAL REPRESENTATION
If you have been a victim of a cosmetic medical malpractice case, you will need an experienced, knowledgeable attorney by your side. Sometimes jurors are biased in the deliberation room and believe that victims could have avoided the surgery or shouldn’t have had it done in the first place when it comes to elective medical procedures. An experienced attorney can help fight any type of bias claims.
