A study published in JAMA Dermatology determined there has been a significant rise in the number of Medical Malpractice Lawsuits filed in connection to laser skin treatments over the last twenty years.
Researchers pulled information from a massive database and determined a total of 174 cases had been filed in recent years over injuries sustained during laser skin treatments. A total of 63 lawsuits were the result of hair removal procedures, while 43 cases were associated with facial rejuvenation treatments. Some of the most common injuries that were recorded included burns, scars, and changes in skin pigment.
While many of these procedures are performed by “untrained, non-physician operators,” the doctors who oversee the practice are the ones held responsible in the event of an accident normally. Researchers determined doctors and surgeons were named as defendants in a total of 100 cases that were examined. Non-physicians, including chiropractors and podiatrists were involved in roughly 37 cases. This means that a significantly high number of treatments are being preformed outside the scope of a medical professional’s specialty area.
Experts say if a patient wants to have a laser procedure preformed, they should ask who will actually be doing the work. They should also ask to see that individual’s credentials verifying they have received sufficient training.
Jason Stone Injury Lawyers and their team of Boston Personal Injury Attorneys encourage anyone who has been harmed during a medical procedure to discuss their legal options with a qualified attorney immediately.