This matter involved a woman who attended a private hospital to have a breast lift and breast augmentation. Unfortunately, this simple and common cosmetic procedure resulted in our client suffering from complications and remaining in hospital for a period of two weeks.
In the days following her surgery, our client began to feel tightness and pain in her right breast. She notified her treating surgeon and the hospital staff of the pain but no further treatment was provided. A few days later, she noticed that her left areola was discolouring and beginning to turn black. Concerned about the state of her left areola and the treatment she was receiving at the hospital, our client sought a second opinion from another plastic surgeon. At this point she was advised that the augmentation procedure was performed in a way that had compromised the circulation in her right breast and she was left with permanent damage.
As a result of the unsatisfactory execution of the breast augmentation, our client has suffered ongoing injuries and disabilities including the loss of pigmentation in her left areola, stabbing pain, discomfort, and partial numbness in both breasts, loss of sensitivity in both nipples, scarring, and deformity and disfigurement in both breasts. Our client was extremely distressed as a result of her experience and the injuries she suffered.
Our client approached Gerard Malouf and Partners to enquire about whether or not she was entitled to compensation for the treatment she received at the hospital. Julie Baqleh, Accredited Personal Injury Specialist, was of the view that this claim had merit and began to gather evidence in support of our client’s cosmetic surgery claim.
Ms Baqleh proceeded to brief an expert reconstructive/plastic surgeon to provide their opinion on whether or not the surgeon was negligent in the execution of this procedure on our client. We also had our client medically assessed in order to determine the extent of her injuries and entitlement to damages. Ultimately, the evidence was conclusive that the surgeon’s treatment was not in accordance with peer professional standards and therefore negligence was established. In addition, we obtained evidence from a psychiatrist who confirmed that our client suffered psychologically from this ordeal.
Mindful of the expensive and lengthy nature of running a matter to hearing, Ms Baqleh arranged a mediation with the Defendant with the hopes of reaching a settlement that was acceptable to our client. After lengthy negotiations, Ms Baqleh was able to settle this case for an amount of $250,000 in compensation for our client. Our client was very pleased with the results.
Our expert medical negligence lawyers have the knowledge and skills to reach the best outcome for all of our clients. anyone who has suffered as a result of sub-standard or negligent treatment from any type of medical practitioner. If you think that you may be entitled to compensation based on injuries you have suffered as a result of negligent medical treatment, please call us today on 1800 004 878 for advice or to take advantage of a free consultation with one of our accredited personal injury specialists.
