In the UK, about 100,000 cosmetic surgeries took place in 2015. The number of such procedures taking place is on the rise, and once again, we notice the number of operations increasing year by year. Most of the procedures go according to plan, but some, unfortunately, have unexpected or unintended results – and as the number of operations rise, so do the number of injuries.

Not all procedures have a negative outcome – but those who are responsible should be held accountable for that. If you feel that you have been victim of a badly performed procedure and would like to take action, then this one’s for you: here’s your guide to cosmetic surgery injuries and what to claim for.

How mistakes happen – when you can claim

Mistakes happen all the time, yet this does not mean you are entitled to make a claim. On the other hand, if ‘legal liability’ can be shown, then you are certainly entitled to compensation for the mistakes made. Often these mistakes are made due to:

• Procedural errors – these could be mistakes made during the procedure itself, such as unnecessary cuts leading to nerve damage, or damage caused by inappropriate tools. An independent medical expert will have to verify what happened and how the damage came to be.

• No advice – physicians and specialists are required to give all the necessary information to the surgeon prior to the operation. Similarly, the surgeon is required to give all the necessary information to the patient for informed consent. If the latter did not occur, then the patient did not receive the proper advice, or was insufficiently advised.

Common claims

There are many kinds of claims, and here are some of the most common surgeries where things go wrong:

• Botox injections

• Tummy tucks

• Hair replacement

• Breast augmentation

• Liposuction

• Facelifts

What you can claim for

The financial amount you receive in successful cosmetic surgery claims depend on:

• Physical injuries – the actual pain and suffering due to the procedure

• Psychological distress – compensation awards for psychological and emotional distress due to the treatment gone wrong and its consequences

• Incurred costs – any and all costs as a result of the procedure gone wrong, including loss of income, medical expenses, and so on.

It’s important that you consult a solicitor who specialises in personal injury as soon as possible when something has gone wrong. Luckily, there are many personal injury solicitors available who will work with you on a No Win, No Fee basis – meaning there are no fees to pay unless you get awarded damages. If you have been a victim, consult a professional as soon as possible – there’s simply too much at stake.

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