Choosing to have plastic surgery is a big decision, and it’s normal to expect good results. But what if you’re not satisfied with how things turned out? While just disliking the outcome isn’t usually enough to sue, there are cases where you might have a valid medical malpractice claim against your plastic surgeon.
Understanding Medical Malpractice in Plastic Surgery
Medical malpractice happens when a healthcare professional provides care that is below the accepted standard, leading to harm. In plastic surgery, this means the surgeon didn’t do their job properly, causing injury or serious problems.
To have a valid malpractice claim, you generally need to prove:
- Negligence: The surgeon didn’t provide the level of care that a competent professional would have.
- Injury caused by negligence: The surgeon’s actions directly caused your injury.
- Damages: You suffered losses, like extra medical bills or emotional distress, because of the injury.
Simply not liking how you look after surgery isn’t usually enough. There must be evidence that the surgeon was negligent.
Common Reasons for Suing a Plastic Surgeon
There are specific situations where suing your plastic surgeon might be justified:
- Surgical errors: Mistakes during the procedure that lead to injury or disfigurement.
- Lack of informed consent: If the surgeon didn’t explain the risks, and you suffered a complication that wasn’t disclosed.
- Post-operative care negligence: Failure to provide proper aftercare, resulting in infections or other issues.
- Unapproved techniques or equipment: If the surgeon used methods that are not accepted in the medical community, and you were harmed as a result, this could be grounds for a lawsuit.
If any of these apply to you, you might have a case for medical malpractice.
Steps To Take If You’re Considering Legal Action
If you think your plastic surgeon was negligent, it’s important to act promptly:
- Document everything: Keep records of your treatments, bills, and any communications with the surgeon.
- Seek a second opinion: Another doctor can assess your condition and may identify mistakes made during surgery.
- Consult a medical malpractice lawyer: An experienced attorney can evaluate your case and guide you through the process.
It’s also wise to avoid posting about your experience on social media. What you share online could be used against you in legal proceedings. Keep your situation private until you’ve consulted with a lawyer.
Avoid discussing your concerns with the surgeon without legal advice, as anything you say could be used against you later.
Possible Compensation You Might Receive
If your lawsuit is successful, you may be entitled to different types of compensation:
- Medical expenses: Money to cover corrective surgeries and related medical costs.
- Lost wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to recovery.
- Pain and suffering: Monetary awards for physical pain and emotional distress.
- Punitive damages: In rare cases, extra money might be awarded to punish the surgeon for reckless behavior.
Understanding what you might receive can help you decide if pursuing legal action is the right choice.
A Trusted Medical Malpractice Lawyer Can Help
Dealing with a disappointing or harmful surgery can be overwhelming. An experienced lawyer can evaluate your case, gather necessary evidence, and represent you in negotiations or court. They can also handle all communications with the parties involved, so you don’t have to.
Having professional legal support increases your chances of a positive outcome and lets you focus on your recovery. Most medical malpractice lawyers offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. If you need help, contact Malone Law Medical Malpractice and Severe Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.
Contact the Atlanta Medical Malpractice Law Firm of Malone Law Medical Malpractice and Severe Injury Lawyers for Help Today
If you or a close one have suffered from medical malpractice in Atlanta, Georgia, please call Malone Law Medical Malpractice and Severe Injury Lawyers at (770) 390-7550 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation today.
We proudly serve in Fulton County.
Malone Law Medical Malpractice and Severe Injury Lawyers
2 Ravinia Dr NE Suite 300
Atlanta, GA 30346