Atlanta Plastic Surgery Malpractice Attorneys

OUR Atlanta LAWYERS ARE PLASTIC SURGERY MALPRACTICE EXPERTS

Plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures grow in popularity every year, and thousands of people in and around Georgia have undergone aesthetic enhancements. When performed responsibly by highly trained professionals in accredited facilities, cosmetic procedures possess impressive safety records.

But what happens when the pursuit of confidence turns into a medical nightmare?

At Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC, we know that the emotional devastation of a botched cosmetic procedure is just as severe as the physical pain. You trusted a medical professional to improve your quality of life, and instead, you are left dealing with disfigurement, chronic pain, or the tragic loss of a loved one.

We want you to know that you are not alone, and you do not have to suffer in silence. Plastic surgeons are held to the exact same standards of care as traditional physicians. If they violate that standard of care and hurt an innocent patient, they can—and should—be held liable for medical malpractice.

If you suffered an injury as a result of medical malpractice all over Georgia and you need an experienced plastic surgery malpractice lawyer, please call Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC today at 404-760-7400 for a free consultation.

Understanding Cosmetic Surgery Malpractice in Georgia

In the realm of plastic surgery, there is a distinct legal difference between an unfortunate aesthetic outcome and actual medical negligence. Sometimes, a procedure simply doesn’t yield the exact visual result a patient hoped for. However, medical professionals are bound by a strict duty to uphold standard care protocols.

Medical staff are expected to execute procedures with precision, ensure completely sterile environments to prevent infections, properly administer anesthesia, and thoroughly brief patients on all potential risks before the surgery begins. Identifying instances of true malpractice requires a nuanced understanding of these standards and the expertise of a seasoned Atlanta plastic surgery malpractice lawyer.

Common issues that lead to a cosmetic surgery medical malpractice case include:

• Anesthesia Errors: Mistakes in administering anesthesia, such as running out of oxygen or failing to monitor vital signs, can lead to severe brain damage or death.
• Surgical Mistakes: Negligently cutting surrounding tissue, nerves, muscles, or ligaments during the procedure.
• Infections: Severe postoperative infections resulting from an unsterilized environment or contaminated surgical instruments.
• Lack of Informed Consent: Failing to adequately inform the patient about the severe risks associated with the specific procedure.
• Unqualified Staff: Allowing unlicensed or improperly trained staff to perform procedures or handle postoperative recovery.

What Are the Common Causes of Plastic Surgery Malpractice?

There can be many underlying causes that lead to the devastating mistakes listed above. Some of the most common include:

• Failure to thoroughly review the patient’s medical history prior to surgery
• Inadequate pre-op preparation and planning
• Poor post-op care and failure to monitor for complications
• Over or under-medication
• Hubris or pure, unambiguous neglect by the surgeon

Some errors are the result of inexperience or improper training. In all cases, having a lawyer on your side can help to ensure the exact cause is identified and all of those responsible are held to account.

The Rise of Unregulated “Pop-Up” Clinics

We have seen a deeply concerning trend across Georgia: the rise of unregulated “pop-up” cosmetic clinics. These facilities often lure patients in with aggressive social media marketing and deeply discounted prices. Unfortunately, they frequently operate outside the safety net of hospital oversight.

When complications arise in these clinics, the results can be catastrophic. If a facility lacks emergency oxygen, does not stock adequate anesthetic agents, or delays calling 911 during a crisis, patients can suffer permanent injuries or wrongful death. In many cases, we discover that these clinics are operating without adequate malpractice insurance, making the legal fight even more complex.

This is why you need a dedicated legal team. If you or a loved one has suffered serious harm, such as the tragic brain damage following a routine cosmetic surgery, we have the resources to investigate the facility, uncover their insurance status, and hold every negligent party accountable.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Botched Procedure?

Malpractice can be committed by anyone involved in your surgical procedure. Liability is not limited solely to the lead surgeon. Depending on the facts of your case, we may pursue claims against:

• The plastic surgeon or dermatologist performing the procedure
• The anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA)
• The nursing staff responsible for postoperative monitoring
• The clinic or medical spa facility itself

Our law firm undertakes comprehensive investigations into every case. We consult with top-tier medical experts to pinpoint exactly where the breakdown in care occurred, ensuring that all responsible parties are held accountable for their negligence.

Why Choose Chance, Forlines, Carter & King?

Proving medical neglect and establishing malpractice are extremely difficult tasks. Trying to gather evidence, secure expert testimony, and negotiate with aggressive insurance companies on your own will most likely prove fruitless.

Doctors and hospitals have powerful insurance companies and their own legal teams to help deflect responsibility. Without a team of legal experts on your side, you are up against these powerful interests alone.

You don’t have to do this alone.

At Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC, we have a proven track record of securing justice for victims of medical negligence. Our verdicts and settlements speak to our relentless advocacy. We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay us a single penny unless we win your case.

We proudly serve clients in Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah, Macon, Lawrenceville, Decatur, Jonesboro, and all over Georgia.

Call our experienced Atlanta personal injury and medical malpractice lawyers Now at 404-760-7400! Or, contact us online to schedule your free, highly confidential consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does the Georgia Medical Malpractice Statute of Limitations apply to plastic surgery claims?

Yes. In Georgia, you are generally limited to two years from the date of the incident (or the date the injury was discovered) to file a medical malpractice claim. Waiting too long makes it significantly harder to gather evidence and prove your damages. You must take immediate action by speaking to an Atlanta medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible.

Does plastic surgery malpractice occur frequently in the USA?

Plastic surgery malpractice is technically uncommon, with severe complications arising in less than one percent of procedures according to recent studies. However, given the massive volume of elective surgeries performed in the U.S. every year, this small percentage represents a very significant number of victims.

How do I know if my bad result is actually medical malpractice?

A disappointing aesthetic result is not necessarily malpractice. Malpractice occurs when the surgeon or staff deviates from the accepted medical standard of care, and that deviation directly causes you physical harm, severe disfigurement, or requires corrective surgery. An attorney will review your medical records with an independent expert to determine if negligence occurred.

Can I sue if I signed a consent form before the cosmetic surgery?

Yes. Signing a consent form acknowledges that you accept the known, inherent risks of a procedure. However, a consent form does not give a doctor permission to act negligently, make reckless surgical errors, or fail to respond to a medical emergency.