Cosmetic procedures are an increasingly common way for people to change their appearance. According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, nearly 35 million cosmetic procedures occurred worldwide in a recent year — a 40 percent increase over the previous four years.
Whether it’s to correct unwanted flaws, address the effects of injuries or illnesses, or look younger, cosmetic procedures are one method Canadians use to enhance their looks. But like any medical treatment, cosmetic procedures come with risks. If you underwent an aesthetic procedure that went wrong in British Columbia, a skilled cosmetic procedure injury lawyer from can review your case and discuss taking legal action against your provider.
Our legal team has decades of combined experience successfully representing injured clients in Vancouver and BC. We can help you, too. Contact us now for a free consultation.
Why Hire a Cosmetic Injury Lawyer in British Columbia?
When a cosmetic procedure results in a negative outcome, the consequences for the patient can be physically and emotionally devastating. You need advice from a competent and compassionate lawyer who will investigate the facts and identify whether you have a valid personal injury claim.
Victims of medical negligence can recover significant compensation, but the road to recovery can prove challenging. The cosmetic procedure injury lawyers at Warnett Hallen LLP will ease your burdens.
How? Consider these factors:
- Our personal injury law firm is widely recognized for delivering results that count. We’ve been named the “Best Lawyer When Accident Strikes” by The Georgia Straight for four years running.
- We’re committed to clear and open communication. Our lawyers provide one-on-one consultations and will promptly answer questions that arise throughout your case.
- You pay no upfront costs. There’s no charge for the first consultation. We only get paid if we win your case.
Here’s what past client Barry Perreault had to say about his experience working with us:
“Thank you so very much Paul. I could not have done it without all of your unwavering support, guidance and dedication. Your expertise and advice have been invaluable throughout this process and you have given us a future with promise and hope. You have my highest regard [and] I wish you all the very best.”
Types of Injuries in Cosmetic Procedures
Medical errors made during cosmetic procedures can result in painful and disfiguring injuries like:
- Scarring – Poor technique or improper wound closure can result in excessive or uneven scarring. Keloids or hypertrophic scars may form, making corrective surgery necessary.
- Hematoma – A hematoma occurs when blood collects outside blood vessels, often appearing as a painful, swollen area. It can happen due to physical trauma or insufficient bleeding control during the procedure. Large hematomas may require surgical drainage to prevent complications like infection or tissue damage.
- Anesthesia complications – Errors in administering anesthesia can lead to adverse reactions, such as allergic responses, respiratory distress, or even brain damage. Patients with pre-existing health conditions may be at greater risk of complications.
- Skin necrosis – Excessive tension on the skin or damage to tissues can cause poor blood flow to the procedure site, resulting in tissue death. The affected area may require more invasive plastic surgery for reconstruction.
- Seroma – A seroma is a collection of fluid that can develop under the skin after a cosmetic procedure, leading to swelling and discomfort. If left untreated, it may harden or become infected, requiring drainage or additional surgical procedures.
- Granuloma – A common complication after soft-tissue fillers, granulomas are areas of inflammation that happen when the body rejects an impure or foreign substance.
- Blindness – Forceful injections and arterial wall perforation during dermal filler procedures have been linked to visual complications in severe cases.
- Infections – Even minimally invasive procedures carry the risk of infection. If these risks were not managed effectively, you could have a case.
Legal Grounds for Pursuing a Cosmetic Procedure Claim
You may be entitled to pursue a cosmetic procedure error claim if your injuries stemmed from any of the following:
- Negligence – Negligence occurs when a party fails to exercise reasonable care and harms another person. In cosmetic procedures, this might involve a practitioner failing to follow standard medical guidelines or nursing staff failing to monitor a patient during recovery. Medical malpractice claims arise from negligence.
- Breach of contract – This term refers to a party’s failure to fulfill the terms of a legally binding agreement. For example, if a provider promises a specific outcome in the medical documents, that patient may be able to file a cosmetic procedure injury claim if the provider fails to deliver that result.
It’s important to recognize that experiencing an adverse outcome from a cosmetic procedure does not necessarily mean you are a victim of malpractice. Individuals may also encounter biases at trial because these procedures are considered voluntary and not medically necessary. Getting legal help for cosmetic injuries is crucial to present the strongest possible case.
Steps to Take After a Cosmetic Injury
What you do after a cosmetic procedure injury can greatly impact your ability to recover compensation. If possible, you should:
- Save all documents related to the cosmetic procedure, including medical records, service agreements, consent forms, and communications with the doctor or staff.
- Get a second opinion from a board-certified cosmetic surgeon regarding a new treatment plan to address the complications.
- Contact a skilled cosmetic procedure injury lawyer.
- Refer all communications with the original provider or their insurance company to your lawyer.
What Damages Can You Claim?
If you’ve been hurt as the result of a cosmetic procedure error, you could be entitled to compensation for your:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Physical pain and emotional suffering
- Reduced quality of life, including visible scarring/disfigurement
Time Limits for Filing a Claim
British Columbia law gives you two years from the date of a cosmetic procedure — or the date you should have reasonably become aware of an injury — to file a legal claim.
How Warnett Hallen LLP Can Prove Your Case
You should be able to trust a medical professional to deliver safe and effective cosmetic procedures. If you believe wrongdoing contributed to a negative outcome, the British Columbia cosmetic procedure injury lawyers at Warnett Hallen LLP are here to demand justice for you. We will investigate the incident, determine where mistakes were made, identify the liable party(s), calculate the dollar value of your personal injury claim, and fight aggressively for maximum compensation. Contact us today to schedule a free case review with a member of our legal team.
