Getting cosmetic surgery is a decision people often make to enhance their appearance and boost their self-image. Patients trust their doctors to provide quality medical care that meets their expectations. Understandably, they can experience intense physical and emotional pain when cosmetic surgery goes wrong.
Are you wondering about your legal options if you were injured during a cosmetic procedure in British Columbia?
An experienced personal injury lawyer can answer your questions and explain your next steps.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Cosmetic Procedure Injury?
In British Columbia, a patient who suffers a cosmetic procedure injury may be entitled to hold a medical professional accountable if the provider’s actions were negligent. Plastic surgeons often perform cosmetic procedures, but any doctor can legally perform a cosmetic procedure in BC.
When it comes to liability, it’s important to know that being unhappy with the outcome of your cosmetic surgery does not necessarily mean you have a valid personal injury case. You must provide evidence showing that you received substandard medical care that another provider in similar circumstances would not have given you.
In addition to doctors, other negligent parties who participated in the cosmetic surgery, such as nurses, could also be at fault for your injuries.
Can I File a Cosmetic Surgery Lawsuit?
A knowledgeable lawyer can investigate your case and identify whether you have grounds for a cosmetic surgery lawsuit. You can sue if your lawyer determines you have a potentially successful cause of action against the doctor who performed your surgery.
However, the time to file a cosmetic surgery lawsuit is not unlimited. In Vancouver, you must file a cosmetic procedure lawsuit within two years of the harm you suffered. Failure to file within this time frame will likely result in the judge dismissing your case. A lawyer can prepare and file the necessary paperwork for you while you recover from your injuries.
What Evidence Is Important in a Cosmetic Procedure Case?
As the number of cosmetic surgeries in Canada increases, so does the frequency of medical malpractice cases in cosmetic surgery. To win your case, you must provide rock-solid evidence of the provider’s negligence. Examples of evidence include:
- Medical records
- Your past medical history
- Bills from the procedure
- Eyewitness reports from other medical providers present during the surgery
- Expert reports from other doctors who can attest to what the standard of care should be
Doctors and hospitals are well-funded to fight cosmetic surgery injury claims, so it’s essential to collect persuasive evidence showing they violated the standard of care applicable to your case. Having a trusted personal injury lawyer in your corner can ensure you present the strongest possible case.
Common Cosmetic Procedure Injuries
As with any surgical procedure, cosmetic surgery comes with risks. Since these procedures are elective — meaning not medically necessary but chosen by you — it’s crucial to investigate potential complications and surgeons to give you the best possible chance for the outcome you desire.
Common cosmetic surgery injuries range from relatively minor to life-threatening, including:
- Infections
- Skin irregularities
- An adverse reaction to anesthesia
- Scarring
- Paralysis
- Stroke
- Pulmonary embolism
- Blindness
- Nerve damage
- Blood loss
Contact Our Vancouver Cosmetic Surgery Injury Lawyers Today
If you suffered complications after cosmetic surgery and suspect a medical professional is responsible, Warnett Hallen LLP can help. Our compassionate personal injury lawyers will listen to your story and assess your case in a free consultation. Contact us today to schedule your case review.
