Two doctors are facing state disciplinary action because of their patients’ claims that the physicians botched surgeries for liposuction. The doctors both worked at the same clinic during different times, and three other patients from the same set of clinics have died from the procedure in the last year. While this did not take place in Ohio, the outcomes of such cases are relevant throughout the country. Both cases were heard before their state’s medical board early this month, and at least one of the doctors has previously been involved in a medical malpractice suit.
One of the doctors was accused of injuring four different women during liposuction procedures which took place in May 2015. The woman all received liposuction and/or procedures known as Brazilian Butt Lifts. While this doctor chose not to attend the proceedings, his medical license was revoked. He was disciplined for malpractice as well as failure to keep accurate records.
The other doctor shared that she had attended multiple classes for cosmetic surgery, including classes online. Despite that training, she performed liposuction on a high-risk patient who had both HIV and diabetes. The patient was seriously injured during the procedure and was in the hospital with sepsis and other ailments for over two weeks. The patient won a $1 million medical malpractice lawsuit against the doctor in February, and the doctor was fined $10,000 by the state medical board this month. She is also prohibited from performing anymore of these procedures until she is evaluated further.
Medical malpractice during liposuction is a big problem in many states, including Ohio. For those who are injured during such a procedure, personal injury lawyers can review the circumstances and offer advice as to available remedies. In many cases, the doctors will also be investigated to help prevent any harm to others. Anyone who has been injured, or has lost a loved one because of a liposuction or other cosmetic procedure may have the right to pursue a medical malpractice claim in civil court.
Source: Miami Herald, “Medical board disciplines South Florida doctors for botched liposuction“, Daniel Chang, April 7, 2017