REPRESENTING CLIENTS IN ATLANTA, AUGUSTA, COLUMBUS, MACON, SAVANNAH, GAINESVILLE, LAWRENCEVILLE, DECATUR, JONESBORO & THROUGHOUT GEORGIA
Plastic surgery grows in popularity every year, and many people in and around Atlanta have undergone cosmetic procedures. When performed responsibly, well-established cosmetic procedures possess impressive safety records.
However, plastic surgeons are held to the same standards of care as traditional physicians. And that means they can be held liable for medical malpractice if they violate a standard of care and hurt an innocent patient.
Our firm stands ready to help if you were hurt by a surgical error during a cosmetic procedure.
If you suffered an injury as a result of medical malpractice in the Atlanta, Georgia area and you need an experienced lawyer, please call Lourie, Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC today at 404-760-7400 for a free consultation.
EXAMPLES OF MEDICAL MALPRACTICE IN PLASTIC SURGERY
Every surgery carries with it certain risks. And the law has long recognized that a tragedy can occur without a medical professional committing malpractice.
But medical professionals are expected to adhere to accepted standards of care, whether they’re performing a life-saving operation or cosmetic surgery. Distinguishing between a tragic outcome and actionable medical malpractice requires a lawyer with ample experience in the field, and that’s what we bring to the table.
In the case of plastic surgery malpractice, common issues include:
- Anesthesia mistakes
- Insufficiently sterile conditions leading to infections
- Common surgical errors, including cutting or severing surrounding tissue, ligaments, nerves and muscles
- Failure to inform patients of a procedure’s risks
WHO CAN BE HELD LIABLE FOR PLASTIC SURGERY MALPRACTICE?
Anyone involved in the planning or performing of a surgical procedure can commit malpractice. This includes the surgeon, attending physicians and staff, nurses, anesthesiologists, and more.
When you work with our firm, we will conduct a thorough investigation into your injury to identify all liable parties. And we will hold these parties accountable for all instances of negligence in our efforts to secure the compensation you deserve.
HOW SOON AFTER MY PLASTIC SURGERY CAN I PURSUE A CASE FOR MALPRACTICE?
You can – and should – talk to a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible after a plastic surgery injury.
You have two years to file a claim in the state of Georgia, but it is never a good idea to wait. The longer you wait to take action, the more difficult proving your case may become.
We are prepared to get to work on viable cases right away. If you need help, call us for a cost-free case review right away.
WHAT ARE THE COMMON CAUSES OF PLASTIC SURGERY MALPRACTICE?
There can be many causes of medical malpractice. Some of the most common include:
- Failure to review patient medical history
- Inadequate pre-op preparation
- Poor post-op care
- Over or under medication
- Anesthesia errors
Some errors are the result of inexperience or improper training. Others may be a result of hubris or pure, unambiguous neglect. In all cases, having a lawyer on your side can help to ensure the cause is identified and all of those responsible are held to account.
HOW OFTEN DOES PLASTIC SURGERY MALPRACTICE OCCUR?
Plastic surgery malpractice is extremely rare. A recent meta-analysis of cases has shown that fewer than one percent of plastic surgery procedures result in complications. However, there are millions of plastic surgery procedures performed in the United States each year, making even one percent far too many.
If you have been injured while undergoing elective surgery, give us a call to schedule a free consultation and learn how we may be able to help.
SHOULD I CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IF I SUSPECT PLASTIC SURGERY MALPRACTICE?
Absolutely. Proving neglect and establishing malpractice are extremely difficult tasks that require medical experts and legal professionals to uncover. Trying to gather evidence on your own will most likely prove fruitless.
Physicians prevail in 80 to 90% of medical malpractice claims with weak evidence and around 70% of cases with moderate evidence. Even with strong evidence, physicians prevail in 50% of all medical malpractice claims.
Doctors and hospitals have insurance companies, attorneys, and their own staff to help deflect responsibility for their actions. Without a team of legal experts on your side, you are up against these powerful interests on your own. You don’t have to do this alone. Call us today to schedule an obligation-free consultation and learn more about your options. We work on a contingency fee basis. If you do not win your case, you do not pay us a penny.
Again, most cosmetic surgical procedures have impressive safety records. But this is only true when the procedures are performed by properly trained, educated and licensed plastic surgeons. Those who perform plastic surgery without the proper credentials or facilities put patients at risk and should be held accountable for their mistakes.
Plastic surgery malpractice can result in a number of truly tragic outcomes, including loss of life. More commonly, the victim is disfigured and has to live the rest of his or her life with the aesthetic results of a professional’s negligence.
Medical malpractice can make it difficult to work, earn a living and even live a quiet, pleasant life. Our lawyers believe you deserve compensation for your losses, and we know how to successfully pursue it.
If you live in Atlanta, Georgia or if you suffered an injury here and you need an experienced medical malpractice lawyer, please call Lourie, Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC today at 404-760-7400 or contact us online for a free consultation.