No win no fee solicitor news
22/04/2009

Cosmetic surgery test case for compensation

A personal injury compensation test case is being brought by a Welsh woman against a cosmetic surgery clinic after she claims she suffered permanent scarring as a result of a facelift.

The case is considered significant because the woman had the treatment carried out in Belgium.

If her case succeeds, it is likely to help others pursue legal damages in the UK for suffering injuries while undergoing healthcare treatment abroad. The UK is generally understood to enjoy bigger payouts than other countries.

The woman claims she has been left with scarring around the ears and eyes. She believes the symmetry of her face has been affected and she has some facial numbness. She says she finds it difficult to be out in public as a result.

It is not known if the woman is utilising the services of a no win, no fee solicitor to pursue the case but it is quite common for victims to bring compensation claims this way.

The clinic says it has a moral duty to correct problems but denies it is legally liable, claiming the issue is covered by Belgian law which requires the surgeon to be individually responsible for any personal injury compensation claims.