No Win No Fee Medical Negligence Claims

In most medical negligence cases you can claim for free and keep all of your compensation and pay nothing if you win or lose.

UK Medical Negligence Claim Specialists

We have specialist Medical Negligence Claim Solicitors ready and waiting to help you across the UK.

Not Sure What To Do?

Simply call us or complete the quick enquiry on the right and let us explain your legal rights and your options (at no cost to you and no obligation).

Can vanity lead to a medical negligence claim?

Cosmetic surgery has become big business in the UK. A Mintel survey estimated that around one million injectable cosmetic treatments are carried out each year. However, the unacceptable face of plastic surgery has also made the headlines and the cosmetic surgery industry has responded accordingly.

Mintel’s findings have prompted a backlash from professionals against the so-called ‘Botox cowboys’. Because of the risks involved, only doctors, dentists and surgeons should administer injections. However, the Independent Health Advisory Service (IHAS) has found that there are dozens of companies in the UK with no medical background offering courses for those who want to be able to administer injectable treatments. Unfortunately, according to the report, these training courses are grossly insufficient. Those who want to take up the offer pay a fee of around £350 for half a day’s training that fails to cover some of the most rudimentary requirements such as an awareness of facial anatomy and knowing at what temperature injectable materials should be stored at.

Complications from cosmetic injections

According to the IHAS study, around 20 people a year are suffering complications as a direct result of cosmetic injection. Injuries can range from drooping eyelids to the coagulation of incorrectly administered Botox forming profound lumps under the skin. While some of these cases are high profile, especially where celebrities are concerned, many go undocumented and leave victims wondering just what their legal rights are.

The IHAS has found three main areas for concern: infection, poorly trained practitioners administering fillers into the wrong place and the potential for an allergic reaction. Dr Vallance-Owen, surgeon and chair of the IHAS injectables working group said: “People who aren't properly trained are dangerous, potentially. Patients are very much at risk when they go to people who aren't properly clinically trained in this sort of injecting work.”

In response to this urgent situation, IHAS have created a register on which reputable practitioners can advertise their services. Treatmentyoucantrust.com offers a quality assurance mark for those looking to undergo cosmetic treatment. However, the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) believes that stronger measures should be taken. Nigel Mercer, president of BAAPS says that; “the risks involved meant there should be legal regulation of the sector, with the Care Quality Commission, the NHS watchdog in England, ensuring public safety.” The site is government endorsed and has been funded with £200,000 from the NHS, but this sum buys it no legal powers.

Rogue traders

It seems that, while the IHAS website will allow consumers to choose from a list of trusted providers, the lack of legal backup will allow ‘rogue’ practitioners to continue administering sub-standard treatment. While this is still possible, the risks for those looking to augment their appearances are still high. However, more than 150 businesses have already registered on the site, giving consumers a better idea of who to trust. Unfortunately, rogue practitioners often target those for whom cosmetic surgery might otherwise be unattainable, offering treatments at low prices. Where cosmetic surgery is concerned, it seems that what you get is what you pay for. Those looking to undergo cosmetic treatment would be well advised to conduct a little research of their own before risking sub-standard surgery that cannot be reversed and having to go through the additional trauma of pursuing a clinical negligence compensation claim that could drag on for years.

Back to Medical Negligence Articles

FREE GUIDE - 7 Questions You Must Ask Before Choosing Your Medical Negligence Solicitor

If you believe you have been the victim of an act of medical or clinical negligence you need our free guide which answers all of the questions that you need answers to before deciding to make a claim, including:

• What are the costs of making a claim for compensation
• The reasons you should or should not make a claim, including protecting other patients
• Whether using a solicitor or a claims company will make a difference to the success of your claim
• The questions you must ask to ensure you choose the right person to help you with your claim

Before you take any further action, take five minutes to read our free guide so that when you do pick up the telephone or fill in an online enquiry form, you know exactly the questions you need to ask to find the right medical negligence claim solicitor for you.

Share This Article With:

• Tweet This
• Delicious
• Digg
• reddit
• Facebook
• StumbleUpon

If you would like 1stClaims’ expert Medical Negligence Solicitors on your side please call us free on 0800 2888 693 or complete our Free Claim Enquiry form now and we will be in touch with you very soon.

Remember, all initial enquiries are completely free of charge and we will investigate all funding options for you.

We are here to help you from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday,
8.30am to 6pm on Saturday and 9am to 6pm on Sundays.

1stClaims is regulated by the Ministry of Justice in respect of regulated claims management activities: Number CRM15909. This registration is recorded on the website www.claimsregulation.gov.uk

“We comply, where applicable, with the SRA Code of Conduct 2011 published by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, and any solicitor [or registered European lawyer] to whom we may refer you is an independent professional from whom you will receive impartial and confidential advice. You are free to choose another solicitor [or registered European lawyer]"

1stClaims Limited - Registered in England and Wales - Reg. Co. No. 06566866. Registered Office Address: First Floor Offices, 119 Station Road, Nailsea, Bristol BS48 1TA - VAT Reg. No. 938 1976 76