Injured During Plastic Surgery in Fort Lauderdale? What You Need to Know About Medical Malpractice Claims

Florida is one of the most popular destinations in the United States for cosmetic and plastic surgery. With countless med spas, clinics, and board-certified surgeons offering everything from facelifts to body contouring, many people travel to the area to enhance their appearance. But what happens when a procedure goes wrong?

If you were injured during plastic surgery in Fort Lauderdale, and the results caused harm beyond typical risks or complications, you may have a valid medical malpractice claim. A Miami or Fort Lauderdale medical malpractice lawyer can evaluate your case and help you fight for compensation.

When a Plastic Surgery Mistake Becomes Medical Malpractice

Plastic and cosmetic surgery always carries some degree of risk. However, not every bad result is grounds for a lawsuit. For a case to qualify as medical malpractice, the injury must result from negligence or deviation from the accepted standard of care.

Examples of plastic surgery malpractice may include:

• Surgical errors (wrong site surgery, excessive scarring, nerve damage)
• Unqualified or improperly trained personnel performing procedures
• Failure to obtain informed consent
• Use of unapproved or defective implants or materials
• Operating in unsanitary conditions leading to infection
• Improper use of anesthesia
• Failure to monitor the patient during or after surgery
• Negligent post-operative care

If your surgeon or the surgical team acted irresponsibly—and you were harmed as a result—you may be entitled to compensation through a malpractice claim.

Common Plastic Surgery Malpractice Injuries

The consequences of a botched cosmetic procedure can be both physically and emotionally devastating. Victims often report:

• Permanent disfigurement or scarring
• Nerve damage or loss of sensation
• Infections or sepsis
• Implant complications or migration
• Facial asymmetry or deformity
• Paralysis or mobility issues
• Blood clots or internal bleeding
• Psychological trauma or body image distress
• Death (in severe anesthesia or sepsis cases)

These injuries often require revision surgery, therapy, or long-term medical care.

Do You Have a Medical Malpractice Case?

To prove a plastic surgery malpractice case in Florida, you must establish:

• A provider-patient relationship existed
• The surgeon or medical provider breached the standard of care
• You were injured as a result of that breach
• You suffered measurable damages (physical, financial, or emotional)

Malpractice can occur in plastic surgeries such as:

• Breast augmentation or reduction
• Rhinoplasty (nose jobs)
• Liposuction or tummy tucks
• Facelifts or neck lifts
• Eyelid or brow procedures
• Brazilian butt lifts (BBLs)
• Botox, dermal fillers, or laser treatments gone wrong

Whether you’re a local resident or someone who traveled to Fort Lauderdale for cosmetic enhancement, your rights deserve to be protected.

What to Do if You Suspect Malpractice After Plastic Surgery

If something doesn’t feel right after a procedure, act quickly:

• Seek medical attention immediately
  • A second opinion can assess the damage and prevent further harm
• Request your medical records
  • Document every detail, from consent forms to surgical notes
• Photograph visible injuries or disfigurement
  • These may serve as powerful evidence
• Avoid signing waivers or settlement agreements
  • Especially if presented by the clinic or its insurer
• Contact a Fort Lauderdale medical malpractice attorney
  • An attorney can determine if your case meets the legal standard for malpractice

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Victims of plastic surgery malpractice may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses
  • Including revision surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and ongoing care
• Lost wages
  • If you’re unable to return to work during recovery
• Pain and suffering
  • For both physical pain and emotional trauma
• Disfigurement and permanent injury
  • If your appearance or function has been permanently altered
• Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Particularly in cases where self-confidence and mental well-being are deeply affected
• Wrongful death damages
  • For surviving families of victims who died due to negligence

How a Fort Lauderdale Medical Malpractice Lawyer Can Help

Malpractice cases are complex and highly technical. An experienced lawyer can:

• Investigate your procedure and collect supporting evidence
• Consult with medical experts to define the standard of care
• File a pre-suit notice and affidavit (required under Florida law)
• Negotiate with the surgeon’s insurance company
• Litigate in court if a fair settlement isn’t reached

Having a legal advocate on your side can significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome.

Don’t Wait—Time Limits Apply

In Florida, you typically have two years from the date you discovered (or should have discovered) the injury to file a medical malpractice claim. However, this time frame can vary based on the details of your case, and delays can cost you your right to recover damages.

The sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner they can begin protecting your interests.

Since 1963, Jerome Wolfson, Esq. and the team at Wolfson & Leon have proudly served medical malpractice and personal injury victims across Florida:

• Miami
• Fort Lauderdale
• Orlando
• Tampa
• Jacksonville
• West Palm Beach
• Fort Myers
• Cape Coral
• Sarasota
• Clearwater
• Tallahassee

Let us help you get back on the road to recovery. Call (305) 285-1115 today, and our team will handle your case with the personal care and attention you deserve.

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