Are you contemplating going under the knife for a cosmetic procedure? Are does the idea of having a cosmetic surgery worry you? If so, that is totally normal. Even before electing to undergo a cosmetic procedure, most people have heard of numerous plastic surgery horror stories. Take, for example, the celebrity who had an eyebrow lift and now has a constant “surprised” look on their face. So if the thought undergoing such a procedure has you a bit apprehensive, you are not alone.
Cosmetic procedures are a type of plastic surgery that is deemed “not medically necessary,” or in other words done only for cosmetic reasons. Cosmetic surgeries are quite common in the United States. In 2016, there were nearly 1.8 million cosmetic surgeries performed in the U.S. alone. However, just because cosmetic procedures are hitting a record high in popularity, does mean they are all being completed without error.
As a result, many people have questions about cosmetic surgeries errors. Some of the most commonly asked questions including the following:
1) I am unhappy with the results of my cosmetic procedure, can I sue my surgeon?
The answer to this question is yes and probably not. Of course, while anyone can file a lawsuit, the real question is whether the lawsuit is likely to be successful. The answer to this question is probably not. Just because a patient is dissatisfied with the results of a procedure does not mean that the surgeon committed malpractice. To have a successful suit the plaintiff, or injured party needs to be able to prove negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the surgeon, a member of his or her surgical team, or the hospital.
2) What types of problems associated with cosmetic surgery can lead to a malpractice claim?
To be clear, any surgery has inherent risks, and no surgeon can guarantee that a patient will love the result. However, every patient, whether undergoing a medically necessary or a cosmetic procedure, is entitled to a certain standard of medical care. If a surgeon does not perform at this standard, and his or her failure to do so causes the patient injury, the patient can pursue a malpractice lawsuit. Common problems after cosmetic surgery that are often due to surgeon error or negligence include: pain, never damage, internal bleeding, leaking of an implant, facial disfigurement, serious scarring, loss of feeling or numbness, disproportion body parts, wrongful death, and many more.
3) What should I do before selecting a surgeon for a cosmetic procedure?
Before selecting a surgeon, a person needs to do some homework. First, it is important to select someone who has the necessary training and experience based on the type of procedure that the patient wants to have done. Second, make sure that the surgeon regularly performs the procedure and ask to see evidence of his or her results. Third, you will want to check with your state’s medical board to determine whether the surgeon has had any medical practice suits filed against him or her.
Why Hubbard & Kurtz?
If you believe that you or a loved one suffered an injury after having a cosmetic procedure, it is important that you seek the legal advice of an experienced Kansas City Medical Malpractice Attorney. An attorney can determine whether your injury is due to medical malpractice or medical negligence. The Kansas City Medical Malpractice Attorneys at Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. are skilled professional who possess key knowledge of the law and the necessary diligence to investigate the facts which are both needed to have a successful outcome. To learn how the attorneys at Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. can help you, contact our office today at (816) 472-4673 to schedule a consultation. At Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. we strive to provide victims of medical malpractice in both Kansas and Missouri, superb legal services.