Fatal errors lead to reminder about cosmetic surgeries

Posted in Firm News, Medical Malpractice on February 2, 2019

With a growing concern about the safety of cosmetic patients, experts everywhere are issuing warnings about the types of precautions that should be taken before people in Washington pursue any type of cosmetic surgical procedure. The hope is that through patient education, there can be a reduction in the number of cases that are encountered where patients are injured because of poor operating practices of their surgeons.

One of the top recommendations is that people who are looking to get a cosmetic procedure first thoroughly research the background of the surgeon they are interested in using. They should scour online reviews that could potentially alert them to red flags that may indicate a surgeon’s unreliability. They should also ask their surgeon how many of that specific procedure he or she has completed, and how many surgical procedures are scheduled on the day of their appointment. Excessive surgeries in one day can put people at risk of injury if their surgeon is fatigued and unable to focus on their operation.

Other recommendations that people should take include asking their physician about the type of malpractice insurance they have if they have any at all. They should double check that their surgeon is certified and is current on all required licenses. Patients should provide their surgeon with a comprehensive list of the medications they are taking, as well as a thorough history of any medical problems to prevent injuries because their surgeon was unaware of their health history.

If people have been injured during a cosmetic surgical procedure, they may be eligible to receive compensation. A Seattle medical malpractice attorney can facilitate that process. With a legal professional helping them, people may have a better chance of presenting their case and showing why their surgeon’s actions caused harm or injury.

Source: Statesman Journal, “Before scheduling a cosmetic surgery procedure, make sure you follow these 14 steps,” Michael Sallah and Maria Perez, Jan. 31, 2019