In New Jersey and all over the United States, people are negatively impacted by medical errors. That could be due to a misdiagnosis, wrong-site surgery, medication error and for many other reasons. While it is frequently assessed in the context of emergencies and treatment of conditions, it can happen in other circumstances. Mistakes are frequently made with elective procedures. It might not necessarily be surgery, but it can be a treatment to address a person’s perception of what is aesthetically pleasing or for a corrective reason. Medical malpractice in these situations can warrant legal action just as it can with any other misstep.
More stories emerge after model’s revelations about cosmetic treatment
A recent series of stories about model Linda Evangelista’s physical problems after having “CoolSculpting” has been the catalyst to more complaints about it and its potential complications. A New Jersey-born actress revealed that she had fat accrue beneath her skin after having the treatments. These are the same issues as those suffered by Ms. Evangelista and it is leading to increased scrutiny about the process. The actress, 47, claims she is permanently disfigured. Ms. Evangelista has filed a $50 million lawsuit against the manufacturers.
As part of its defense, the company says that the medical issue – paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH) – is exceedingly rare with only one patient in 4,000 experiencing it. Experts believe it is more common than that. Independent research from 2018 suggested it happened once for every 138 treatments. Another woman, 43, also said she had the procedure and it cost her $9,000. She suffered from PAH and was paid $16,000 in compensation. This was almost $1,000 less than it cost her to have surgery to repair the damage. A class-action legal claim is being prepared for other victims who suffered the same complications.
Cosmetic procedures and treatments can be damaging and deadly
Medical malpractice and negligence comes in many forms. These reports show that even surgeries that are optional and considered relatively safe can result in the patient having negative and life changing aftereffects that cost them physically, personally, emotionally and financially. In Ms. Evangelista’s case, it could harm her work as a model. For others, it can cause them extensive problems that are difficult to overcome. In a worst-case scenario, it might lead to permanent damage and death. Having assistance with analyzing any case regarding medical errors is key to seeing what went wrong and weighing options to determine an appropriate course of action.