Laser skin resurfacing claims
What is laser skin resurfacing treatment?
Laser skin resurfacing treatment is used to remove the outside layer of the skin (the epidermis) so that new skin can form. This treatment can be used to reduce the appearance of scarring, alter any discolouration of the skin, tighten the skin and eliminate wrinkles.
Laser skin resurfacing is performed under local anaesthetic. There are two different types of laser skin resurfacing:
- Ablative laser skin resurfacing – This treatment works by using a laser to remove the epidermis. The heat from the laser causes the skin to tighten and accelerates new collagen fibres to form. As the outer layer of skin heals, new skin grows which is much softer, therefore reducing the appearance of wrinkles; and.
- Non-ablative laser skin resurfacing – This treatment is focused on the dermis, the skin below the epidermis. The dermis is heated by the laser in a similar way and is used to advance collagen fibres to grow.
What can go wrong?
Injuries resulting from sub-standard laser skin resurfacing treatment include:
- Permanent skin damage;
- Excessive scarring;
- Blisters;
- Infection;
- Burns;
- Reddening of the Skin;
- Swelling; and
- Bruising.
Laser skin resurfacing claims
In order to commence a claim for compensation we will need to show that your treatment or care was sub-standard.
For instance the treatment itself may have been performed incorrectly or the equipment used was defective. Alternatively it may be that you were not informed of the side effects of the procedure and the risks involved in order for you to make a rational decision on whether to proceed.
What should I do if my laser skin resurfacing treatment goes wrong?
In order to make a laser skin resurfacing claim it is important that we have all the information and necessary evidence to support the case such as:
- whether the practitioner has insurance in place to perform such procedure;
- photographs of the cosmetic appearance of the treatment;
- your medical records;
- details of the practitioner, clinic, spa or salon responsible for your treatment;
- the receipt for the treatment you received; and
- any correspondence you have had with the clinic, spa or salon, including any report made by you.
You should report your concerns as soon as possible.
Can I still make a claim if I signed a disclaimer?
You may be able to make a laser skin resurfacing 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 that duty applies even if a disclaimer was signed.
What will prevent me claiming compensation
Unfortunately there are strict time limits on bringing a compensation claim for an injury. It is therefore important that you speak to a specialist lawyer as soon as you suspect there is a potential problem. You can ring our free helpline for guidance on time limits.
How much compensation will I get for my laser skin resurfacing claim?
This is a very common question. Each case will be different and will depend upon the nature of the injuries suffered and any financial losses incurred. Although we cannot provide exact figures for your particular claim, we have given some guidelines below of the sort of compensation that is awarded for the ‘pain and suffering’ element of the injury:
| Injuries suffered | Compensation | Description of injury |
| Minor injuries | A few hundred pounds-£600 | Complete recovery within 7 days |
| Minor injuries | £600-£1,200 | Complete recovery within 28 days |
| Minor injuries | £1,200-£2,150 | Complete recovery within 3 months |
| Dermatitis and other skin conditions | £1,500-£3,460 | An individual may experience Itching, irritation and/or rashes, but once treatment is administered it resolves within a few months |
| Less Severe psychological injury | £1,350-£5,130 | The amount of compensation provided will be determined by the extent to which sleep and daily activities were affected, as well as the length of the period of disability. |
| Moderate psychological injury | £5,130-£16,720 | An individual may have experienced issues with regards to future vulnerability, their relationships, and their ability to cope with work and life. |
| Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder | £3,460-£20,290 | An individual will make a full recovery within one to two years and only minor symptoms will persist over any longer period |
| Minor scarring | £1,500-£3,090 | Trivial scarring |
| More significant scarring | £3,460-£12,050
|
One scar which can be camouflaged or a number of small scars – not likely to affect appearance. |
| Very severe scarring with some psychological reaction | £26,120-£85,340 | Where the worse effects have been or will be reduced by plastic surgery (typically in teens to early 30s) and the psychological reaction is severe. |
If the type of injury you are suffering from is not listed above, then please give us a call and we will be able to offer you guidance.
In addition to these sums, claims can be made for financial losses such as earnings and the cost of medical treatment.
How we can help
We specialise in beauty treatment claims and almost all the laser skin resurfacing claims we deal with are funded on a No Win – No Fee basis. This means that if you are unsuccessful in your claim for whatever reason, you will not be required to pay any legal costs.
So, if you or someone you know has been injured by a beauty treatment that has gone wrong, contact us on 0333 888 0437 or via email at [email protected] for a free case assessment.