Laser vein removal claims
What is a laser vein removal treatment?
Varicose veins are veins which have swollen and increased in size. They usually occur on the legs and feet. They appear either blue or dark purple as they are overfilled with blood. Because of their aesthetic appearance people often seek medical treatment.
Surgical treatment is offered on the NHS if there are complications that affect the patient’s health. However, this is not always the case and some people may desire for them to be removed for purely cosmetic purposes.
Treatment for cosmetic purposes is often carried out with a laser. The heat from the laser causes scar tissue to form and as a result closes the vein. Once this has occurred, the vein dies due to the blood supply being stopped.
It can take up to two years for the vein to disappear.
There are two different laser vein removal treatments offered:
- Simple laser treatment -This is performed on the outside of the skin. It can treat things such as spider veins and small varicose veins underneath the skin’s surface. However, this treatment is required every 6 to 12 weeks.
- Endovenous laser treatment – This treats bigger veins in the legs. A laser is inserted into the vein through a small incision in the skin. The laser then heats the vein, causing it to close. This is usually performed under a local anesthetic.
What can go wrong?
Injuries associated with laser vein removal treatment include:
- Permanent skin damage;
- Scarring;
- Blisters;
- Burns;
- Blood clots;
- Reddening of the Skin;
- Swelling;
- Bruising;
- Venous thrombosis; and
- Headaches or vision complications.
Can I make a laser vein removal claim?
In order to commence a laser vein removal claim for compensation we ned to be able to show that the laser vein removal treatment you received was substandard.
It might be that your treatment was carried out incorrectly or that the equipment used was defective. Alternatively the practitioner may have failed to inform you of the side effects of the procedure and the risks involved in order for you to make a rational decision on whether you wish to proceed.
If you have suffered injury after undergoing laser vein removal and believe that it was due to a mistake, an error or a defect then we will be happy to review your case and let you know if you are entitled to seek compensation.
You can read about three real-life case studies of thread vein claims we have successfully pursued, here, here and here.
What should I do if my laser vein removal treatment goes wrong?
In order to make a laser vein removal claim it is important for us to have have all the available information and evidence to support the case. This includes:
- any proof that the practitioner is insured;
- photographs of the cosmetic appearance of the treatment;
- your medical or hospital records;
- any paperwork for the treatment you received; and
- any correspondence you have had with the clinic, spa or salon after the treatment was provided.
We recommend that you report your injuries to the Spa or Salon as soon as possible.
Can I still make a laser vein removal claim if I signed a disclaimer?
You may be able to make a laser vein removal claim even if you have signed a legal disclaimer. Signing a disclaimer does not mean the practitioner or the clinic, spa or salon is immune from having a claim made against them. They have a legal duty to ensure you are not harmed and their duty continues to apply even if a disclaimer was signed by you.
What will prevent me claiming compensation?
There are strict time limits on bringing a laser vein removal claim for personal injury. It is therefore important that you speak to a specialist lawyer as soon as you suspect there is a potential problem. We are happy to give guidance on time limits; just call our free legal helpline.
How much compensation will I get for my laser vein removal claim?
This is a very common question. Each claim is different and the level of compensation will depend upon the nature of the injuries suffered and any financial losses incurred. Although we cannot provide a precise valuation of your claim without discussing the case with you, the following guidelines may give you an idea of the awards for ‘pain and suffering’ that are commonly made in laser vein removal treatment compensation claims.
| Injuries suffered | Compensation | Description of injury |
| Minor injuries | From a few hundred pounds to £600 | Complete recovery within a week. |
| Minor injuries | £600 to £1,200 | Complete recovery within a month. |
| Minor injuries | £1,200 to £2,150 | Complete recovery within 3 months. |
| Dermatitis and other skin conditions | £1,500 to £3,460 | Itching, irritation and/or rashes that resolves within a few months following treatment. |
| Less Severe psychological injury | £1,350 to £5,130 | Where sleep, and daily activities were affected. |
| Moderate psychological injury | £5,130 to £16,720 | Cases involving future vulnerability, relationship issues, and difficulties coping with work and life. |
| Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder | £3,460 to £20,290 | Where a full recovery is made within one to two years with only minor symptoms persisting over any longer period. |
| Minor scarring | £1,500 to £3,090 | Trivial scarring. |
| More significant scarring | £3,460 to £12,050
|
One scar which can be camouflaged or a number of small scars which are unlikely to affect appearance. |
| Very severe scarring with some psychological reaction | £26,120 to 85,340 | Where plastic surgery is required (typically for claimants in their teens or early 30s) and the psychological reaction is severe. |
If the type of injury you have suffered is not listed above, then please give us a call and we will be able to give you guidance.
Please remember that these figures relate to the ‘pain and suffering’ element of the compensation package. We can also negotiate compensation for your financial losses, includuing lost earnings and medical costs.
How we can help with laser vein removal claims
Almost all the laser vein removal claims we deal with are funded on a No Win, No Fee basis. This means that if you are unsuccessful in your claim, you will not be required to pay any legal fees.
If you have suffered injury following laser vein removal then call our legal helpline on 0333 888 0437 or send an email to us at [email protected] for a free case assessment.