What is Cosmetic Surgery and Plastic Surgery Compensation? Information on Payout Claims After Surgeon Negligence.

Cosmetic surgery compensation is on the increase and easier to claim then it's ever been. Which is hardly a surprise with the phenomenal rise in people undergoing plastic surgery or cosmetic surgery procedures, currently a multi billion pound industry, so too comes with it the unfortunate inevitability of occasions when cosmetic surgery goes horribly wrong.

When embarking on plastic surgery or cosmetic enhancement, whether a person is considering rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, liposuction or a face lift, it is never a decision taken lightly. Firstly the prices of these procedures, although more competitive then ever are still expensive. Cost ranging from hundreds to thousands, to tens of thousands of pounds, for the average working woman or indeed man, this is a financial decision that is not taken quickly or made easily.

As well as this there are many other things that have to be considered, all of which take a lot of time and consideration. After all this the last thing you expect from your long awaited and agonising decision, is for surgery to go wrong and to be left on the receiving end of cosmetic surgery negligence.

There are always health risks involved, most of which are minor, but all of which are important. More dangerous are the times when cosmetic surgery negligence causes not only disappointment but permanent harm, long time suffering, disfigurement or pain and in the worst cases a lifelong condition, debilitation or damage. Although there are undoubtedly some very reputable plastic surgery clinics and practitioners, as well as many people benefiting hugely from having some work done.

The consequences of poor or negligent cosmetic surgery practice can leave the patient suffering with deep traumatic emotional issues as well as various physical abnormalities and health implications.

Sympathy, often when plastic surgery goes wrong the reaction can sadly be of disinterest or ridicule, which can lead the sufferer to add to feelings of greater shame, guilt or a further dip in confidence, which was suppose to be improved by the surgery in the first place. Cosmetic surgery negligence specialists are trained to deal with this issue, with the sensitivity it deserves.

Confidentiality, what ever is divulged to them by you as a client, including all your personal data is regarded as confidential information and no elements of your case or problem will be discussed. Nothing will be shared without your express permission and only then if it is paramount to your compensation claim.   

Legal advice, the law is on your side and cosmetic surgery negligence specialists are experts in the field. They will provide you with all the necessary legal advice you will need, honestly and unbiased. 

Expertise and professional help. If your case is valid and strong enough to take action with, they will provide their skills as professional solicitors.

Securing funds for corrective surgery. This will include the cost of procedures required, the cost of medicle treatment and any care costs assosciated with the further surgery. 

Additional compensation. This involves special damages, loss of opportunity or future employment. Loss of current employment, time off work, travel expenses, pain and suffering caused. Legal expenses and other general expenses.

Latest figures show that over £10 billion, was paid out in compensation last year alone (2010) and that this is due to increase even higher, as more people are falling victim to cosmetic surgery negligence.

Successful claims are also on the increase with many companies boasting a 100% claim success rate.

The amount you could claim is dependant on the severity of damaged caused and each case is viewed individually.

The lowest claims are in the hundreds of pounds mark, most in the thousands, many in the tens of thousands and a few reaching hundreds of thousands. There have even been landmark cases where compensation payout has reached a six figure amount.

Since the care standards act was introduced on April 1st 2002, regulation on the practice of cosmetic surgery has greatly tightened and made it much easier to obtain compensation for cosmetic surgery negligence. Before this was introduced there was very limited regulation of plastic surgery procedures. The act dictates by law that:

• All private hospitals and clinics without exception, must have a formal complaints procedure.
• All practitioners of plastic or cosmetic surgery without exception must be appropriately qualified, trained and recruited.
• All must meet without exception the national care standards commissions minimum standards.
• All patients without exception must be offered prier to treatment counselling, as well as a two week cooling off period.

There are various factors that contribute to eligibility for a payout. Cosmetic surgery compensation is paid out to those who successfully win their case for cosmetic surgery negligence, as a result of poor results of a cosmetic surgery procedure. If you have been a victim of any of the following, you are almost certainly entitled to compensation.

• Being left with severe scarring, unevenness or perforation to your organs as a result of Liposuction or a similar procedure.
• The surgeon failing to inform you of other procedures that would determine the same results, as the procedure you undertook. Especially if the alternative would have been less dangerous, intrusive or expensive.
• Being left with loss of function or paralysis as a result of damage to the accessory nerve, post face lift.
• The surgeon failing to inform you of all the associated risks with the surgery.
• Negligence during procedure, making scarring more likely and not performing the procedure with reasonable care or skill.
• Leaving the patient of breast surgery with displaced nipples or unsymmetrical appearing breasts.
• The surgeon failing to explain the possibility of obtrusive, unexpected scarring that may occur.
• Failing to provide adequate after care or proper informed consent.
• Being left withphysical abnormalities, physical pain and emotional unease.

Most specialists now work on a no win no fee basis, have a free phone number and a website, however this is not true in all cases. 

It is advised that you choose a firm that is regulated by the Solicitors regulation Authority and begin proceedings on your claim as soon as possible.

Not all cases will be taken on, however some firms may choose to take on a case that has been rejected previously by a different company.