How can Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors help?

Our wide-ranging experience, coupled with our sensitive and respectful way of working, means that all of our clients can rest assured they will receive a comprehensive, stress-free service. We place your best interests at the centre of everything that happens throughout the claims process.

We promise to be transparent in our approach, resulting in minimal disruption to your life while keeping you informed on the scar injury compensation claims process.

What are the signs that my scar revision surgery has gone wrong?

Scar revision or reduction surgery is supposed to improve the appearance of scar tissue, but in some cases, surgeons and clinics are unable to meet the standards that patients expect, causing further physical, emotional and psychological damage.

In less serious cases, a patient might be left with some visible scarring that is easily concealable. In more serious cases, a patient could be left with more dramatic results, such as severe facial scarring. Both of these instances can leave a patient feeling self-conscious, traumatised due to the negligent surgery itself, and having wasted money.

When scar revision surgery has been carried out, it is usually fine to resume normal activities shortly after the operation. Full healing may take up to two weeks, but the disappearance or reduction of the scar can take considerably longer.

If your surgery has gone wrong, however, you may be suffering from one of the following indicators of negligence:

• Inappropriate new scarring
• Other skin damage

If you have undergone scar revision surgery and it has not gone to plan due to the negligence of your surgeon, you could be left with a permanent scar, for which you may be eligible to claim scar injury compensation.

What is the process of making a scar revision claim?

Making a scar revision claim can seem daunting, but here at Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors, we are committed to guiding you every step of the way to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

The first step in making any type of medical negligence claim is to call a professional clinical negligence legal team for a consultation. When you call us you will speak with one of our experienced scar revision solicitors who will discuss the specifics of your case, evaluate the circumstances surrounding your claim, and provide you with an honest assessment of its potential success.

Once we have established that you may have a valid claim, we will begin gathering the necessary information. This could involve obtaining medical records, seeking expert medical opinions, collecting photographic evidence of your scarring, and collating any additional evidence that supports your case.

With all the relevant information in hand, we will send a 'Letter of Claim to the cosmetic surgery practitioner or clinic involved. This formal letter outlines the details of your claim and the reasons why we believe they are at fault. The other party will then have a statutory time frame, usually three months, to respond to our Letter of Claim. They may admit fault, deny responsibility or request further information.

If liability is admitted, we will negotiate the best possible settlement for you. If the party denies liability, or if a satisfactory settlement cannot be agreed upon, we may advise you to pursue your case in court.

Should your claim reach court, we will represent your interests robustly, utilising our extensive experience in the cosmetic surgery negligence sector to strive for the best outcome for you. Rest assured, the majority of claims are settled before reaching this stage.

Once the case has been settled, either through negotiation or court proceedings, we will secure your compensation. This could cover the cost of corrective treatment, lost earnings, psychological distress and any other expenses incurred as a result of your scarring.

Keep in mind that each case is unique, and the specific process may vary slightly depending on the individual circumstances of your claim. Our dedicated team will keep you informed and supported throughout every step of the process.

To learn more about the claims procedure, click the button below.

What evidence is required to make a claim for scar injury compensation?

To successfully pursue a scar injury compensation claim, you will need to provide several pieces of evidence to support your case. Here are some of the key forms of evidence that we will ask you to help us collect:

Medical records: these records document the treatment you received before, during, and after your surgery. They can help to prove that the negligence occurred and led to your scarring. If you have sought any treatment for your scars, those records will also be relevant.

Photographic evidence: clear, dated photographs of your scars can be crucial in demonstrating the extent of the damage and how it has evolved. These photos can be used to support your claim and possibly determine the amount of compensation.

Expert opinions: we may seek the opinions of medical experts to provide a professional perspective on your case. This could include statements on the standard of care you received and the impact of the negligence on your scars.

Personal testimony: your account of what happened, the impact on your life, any pain and suffering, and any loss of earnings due to the injury can also be key evidence in your claim.

Witness statements: if anyone witnessed the incidents or can testify to the impact the injury has had on your life, their statements could be helpful for your claim.

Receipts and financial records: If you have incurred any costs due to the injury, such as additional medical treatments or therapy, receipts and financial records can demonstrate these expenses.

Am I eligible to claim compensation for scar revision negligence?

To be eligible to claim compensation for scar revision negligence, there are several criteria you need to meet:

Proof of negligence: you must be able to provide evidence that the surgeon or clinic was negligent in their duty of care. This could involve showing that the standard of care you received fell below what could reasonably be expected from a competent professional in the same field.

Causation: there needs to be a clear link between the negligent act and your resulting injury. This means that your scar must have been caused or made worse by the negligent treatment.

Timing: in the UK, you generally have three years from the date of the surgery or from the date when you first became aware of the negligence to bring a claim. There are exceptions to this rule in certain circumstances, so if you are unsure, it is worth discussing your situation with a legal professional.

Financial, physical and psychological impact: if you have experienced financial losses, physical harm, or psychological distress as a result of negligence, this will be considered in your eligibility and the potential value of your claim.

If you meet these criteria, it is likely that you are eligible to make a compensation claim for scar revision negligence. However, every case is unique, and the specific circumstances can vary widely.

What exceptions are there to the three-year time limit?

Children: if the person who suffered negligence was under the age of 18 at the time of the incident, the three-year limit does not start until their 18th birthday. Therefore, they have until they turn 21 to make a claim. If a claim needs to be made before they turn 18, it can be done by a parent or guardian acting as a 'litigation friend'.

Mental capacity: if the person who suffered negligence lacks the mental capacity to make a claim themselves, there is generally no time limit for making a claim on their behalf.

Claim for a deceased person: if the negligence led to the death of the person involved, the family or the estate has three years from the date of death or the date of knowledge of the death to make a claim.

Court's discretion: in very exceptional circumstances, the court may decide to extend the three-year limit. This is known as the court's discretion, but it is rarely exercised and should not be relied upon.

How long will the claims process take?

Each of our clients is guaranteed to receive a bespoke legal service that is tailored to your specific needs and experiences. This means that there is no standard claims process limit.

The duration of a scar revision claim can vary greatly, as it depends on several factors. Generally speaking, the process could take anywhere from a few months to a few years. Factors influencing the duration include:

Complexity of the case: more complex cases may require additional investigation, expert opinions, and gathering of evidence. This could extend the timeline significantly.

Response from the other party: Once the Letter of Claim is sent to the responsible party, they have a statutory timeframe of three months to respond. Depending on their response, the negotiation process may be lengthy.

Court proceedings: if the case proceeds to court, this can add substantial time to the claim process. Court schedules and the complexity of the litigation can impact the length of this stage.

Settlement negotiations: the duration of settlement discussions can greatly depend on the willingness of both parties to reach an agreement. Some cases may settle quickly, while others may take more time.

The moment you start your claim with us, you will be assigned a dedicated solicitor who will guide you every step of the way. They will review every detail of your case and be on hand to provide support and advice as we progress.

What factors are considered when calculating the scar revision compensation amount?

The amount of compensation awarded in a successful scar revision negligence claim can depend on several factors. These are some of the key considerations that are typically used to calculate compensation amounts:

Severity and type of scarring: the physical extent of your scarring, its location, and whether it is considered temporary or permanent are significant factors. The more severe the scarring and the more visible the area, the higher the compensation is likely to be.

Pain and suffering: this includes not only physical pain and discomfort, but also emotional distress and any psychological impact such as anxiety or depression that can be directly attributed to the negligent treatment.

Future prognosis: if your injury is expected to have long-term or permanent effects, this will be factored into your compensation amount. This could include the ongoing impact on your quality of life, future pain or discomfort, and any future treatment needs.

Financial losses: any costs you have incurred as a result of the negligence can be reclaimed. This could include the cost of corrective surgery, counselling, and any other medical expenses. If you have lost earnings due to taking time off work for recovery or treatment, these lost earnings can also be included in the claim.

Future financial impact: if the injury is likely to impact your ability to work or earn income in the future, or if you will need ongoing medical treatment or care, these future financial impacts can be considered in the compensation amount.

Remember, each case is unique and the potential compensation will depend on the individual circumstances. At Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors, we have a wealth of experience in assessing and valuing claims. To find out how much compensation you could claim for your negligent treatment, contact us as soon as possible, and we can provide a more accurate estimate after discussing the specifics of your case.

Why choose Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors?

Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors was the first legal practice in England and Wales to focus solely on cosmetic surgery and beauty treatment negligence. Headed by partner Michael Saul our knowledge and experience is unrivalled when it comes to claiming compensation for our clients.

We are highly rated for our service, with a rating of ‘excellent’ on TrustPilot. Our dedication to pursuing cosmetic surgery claims means we are perfectly placed to help you recover the financial reward you deserve following a botched scar revision procedure.

Our solicitors operate on a no win, no fee basis, so we only take payment if your case is successful. This approach means there is no financial risk involved with making a claim with us.