Cosmetic laser procedures are a booming industry in British Columbia and across Canada. They provide an effective and supposedly safe method for treating scars, wrinkles, and other blemishes. Unfortunately, these treatments are not always as safe or effective as advertised. A laser hair removal injury or similar issues can have devastating consequences, and research indicates that about 6 percent of these procedures cause complications.
If you’re suffering from one of these injuries, you should talk to a lawyer immediately to learn about your legal options. The team at Warnett Hallen LLP offers free, no-obligation consultations. Call us today to schedule yours.
What Counts as a Laser Treatment Injury?
Some examples of cosmetic laser treatment injuries include the following:
- Burns – A laser applied at the wrong setting or left on too long can cause painful burns and lasting skin damage.
- Scarring – Improper treatment techniques may result in raised or discolored scars that persist even after the skin has healed.
- Hyperpigmentation or Hypopigmentation – Dark spots can develop when a cosmetic laser disrupts natural skin pigmentation. Conversely, light patches may appear if the treatment removes or damages pigment-producing cells.
- Infections – Skin infections can occur when doctors leave a laser running for too long or fail to provide proper care after a laser treatment.
- Eye Injuries – Without proper protection, strong laser lights can cause severe harm to the eyes, including blindness in some cases.
- Chronic Pain or Sensitivity – Some people experience ongoing discomfort or heightened sensitivity in their skin after laser treatments.
- Blistering – Excessive heat can create fluid-filled blisters after laser treatment, which can delay recovery and increase the risk of infection.
- Nerve Damage – In rare cases, deep tissue exposure to lasers can harm nerves, leading to numbness or tingling.
Complication vs. Negligence: How to Tell the Difference
Not every negative result from a cosmetic laser procedure necessarily indicates that your provider was negligent. Some outcomes may happen even when providers use reasonable care. As examples, your skin may react unpredictably, or you may develop temporary redness and swelling that improve over time. These complications are recognized risks associated with many laser treatments, and they do not always indicate that a mistake has been made.
Negligence, on the other hand, involves actions that fall below accepted standards of medical care. For example, your provider may have used the wrong equipment setting, failed to test a small area of your skin first, or not given you proper safety gear. Negligence may also involve skipping key steps of the treatment process, such as reviewing your medical history or providing clear aftercare instructions. If mistakes like these lead to burns, scarring, or other lasting damage, your provider’s actions may rise to the level of negligence.
Who May Be Liable?
The parties who may be liable for a laser hair removal injury or similar complication may include the following:
- The Technician – The person who performed your treatment could be responsible if they misused the device, skipped safety steps, or performed the procedure without proper training.
- The Supervising Professional – A doctor, nurse, or clinic manager who should have overseen the procedure may be liable if they failed to monitor the treatment or correct unsafe practices.
- The Clinic or Spa – The business itself may share responsibility if it hired unqualified staff, used unsafe equipment, or failed to create a safe treatment setting.
- The Equipment Manufacturer – The company that made the laser device could be liable if the product had a defect or lacked proper warnings about associated risks.
- The Distributor or Supplier – A party that sold or serviced the device may be responsible if they failed to address problems or provided faulty equipment.
- The Maintenance Provider – A contractor hired to repair or calibrate the equipment could be liable if they neglected upkeep that caused the device to malfunction.
What Evidence Can Prove Your Case?
To win an intense pulsed light (IPL) laser burn lawsuit or similar personal injury claim, you must provide clear evidence showing what happened and how the injury affected you. Medical records are key because they document your diagnosis, treatment, and any follow-up care you required. Photos of the injury taken soon after the procedure and during your recovery can also help demonstrate the harm you’ve suffered and its lasting impact.
Written instructions from the clinic, such as consent forms, aftercare guidelines, or warnings you received before the treatment, can also support your claim. Alternatively, if those materials were missing or incomplete, that fact could support your claim.
Testimony from witnesses who observed the procedure or your condition afterward can provide further support. In some cases, expert evaluations can help explain whether the provider used the equipment safely or followed accepted standards.
Steps to Take After a Laser Injury
You should take the following steps to protect your health and legal rights after a laser hair removal injury or similar complication:
- Seek medical attention immediately to treat the injury and prevent further complications.
- Take clear photos of your injury as soon as possible and continue to document any changes over time.
- Save copies of medical records, bills, and receipts related to your treatment.
- Keep written materials from the clinic, such as consent forms or aftercare instructions.
- Write down details about the procedure, including the date, location, and names of those involved.
- Avoid direct communication with the clinic or spa until you have legal guidance.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer to review your situation.
How Our Laser Injury Lawyers Can Build Your Claim
Our laser injury lawyers have decades of experience in personal injury law, and we’ve secured settlements for our clients through negotiations and skilled trial representation. We offer free consultations to new clients and we’ll handle all the legal work so you can focus on your recovery.
We’ll begin by reviewing the details of your treatment, including your medical records, photos, and any written instructions you received. This information helps us understand how the injury occurred and its impact on your life.
Our lawyers then investigate the role of each party involved, including the laser technician, supervising professional, clinic, or the equipment manufacturer. We also consult with experts when necessary to explain whether the provider followed accepted safety standards.
Throughout the process, we’ll handle communication with insurance companies and defense lawyers so you can focus on your recovery. If your case goes to trial, count on us to handle all the legal procedures and present a robust case to the court.
Contact Our Laser Injury Treatment Lawyers for Legal Assistance
Our laser treatment injury lawyers are here to defend your rights and hold careless providers accountable. Contact Warnett Hallen LLP now or complete our contact form to schedule your free consultation.
