Albuquerque Plastic Surgery Malpractice Lawyer

Albuquerque Plastic Surgery Malpractice Attorney

Plastic surgery is intended to help patients look and feel better. These patients trust doctors to follow specific standards of care, and when they don’t, it can have serious ramifications. If you or a loved one needs help after a negative plastic surgery outcome due to negligence, an experienced Albuquerque plastic surgery malpractice lawyer can hold NM healthcare providers accountable.

When you retain an attorney from Egolf + Ferlic + Martinez, LLC, we can build a solid plastic surgery negligence recovery case. We can determine what happened during your surgery and work tirelessly to pursue the financial damages you deserve.

What Is Plastic Surgery Malpractice?

Plastic surgery malpractice happens when a plastic surgeon or their team causes preventable injury to their patient. To win a malpractice case, you must prove that your surgeon or medical team fell below the standard of care required, which caused your injuries and damages.

To succeed with your case, you must prove one or more of the following occurred:

• An operation on the wrong surgical site or body part
• Unsanitary instruments were used
• Proper procedures were not used
• Anesthesia errors
• Nerve damage
• Paralysis
• An infection
• Disfigurement
• Excessive scarring

There are other ways a patient can suffer from plastic surgery malpractice. Yet, not all negative plastic surgery outcomes automatically fall within malpractice. You must show that your surgeon’s actions deviated from the standard of care expected in their specialty, and that directly led to your injuries. An Albuquerque attorney can provide invaluable help with building a malpractice case.

How Often Does Plastic Surgery Malpractice Happen?

Patients continue to trust surgeons to provide safe care during surgery, but sometimes, medical providers fail. The National Institutes of Health reports that the number of surgeries performed across the country is increasing rapidly. In 2015, over 1.5 million surgical procedures were completed in the United States. The most common procedures were breast surgeries, subcutaneous injections, and liposuction.

Unfortunately, plastic surgery errors remain a reality for many residents of New Mexico. Our state has a high rate of malpractice claims when compared to claims filed in other states. In general, plastic surgeons face a higher legal claim risk than surgeons working in other specialties. Studies suggest approximately 13% of plastic surgeons face a medical malpractice claim each year.

In 2024, there were about 12,900 physicians across the state with active medical licenses. The National Practitioner Data Bank noted $419.76 million in payouts in New Mexico across about 1,171 claims from 2014 to 2023. This data shows our state experienced a higher-than-average rate of claims relative to our population of about 2.13 million residents in 2024.

With a high rate of claims throughout the state, medical negligence cases play a significant role in shaping patient surgical outcomes and safe healthcare practices. When doctors realize their surgical skills may be scrutinized later in a malpractice claim, they are more likely to follow accepted standards of patient care.

Reasons To Consult an Experienced Attorney

Plastic surgery errors can leave patients with lifelong consequences if they survive the procedure. If you need help after a poor surgical outcome, an attorney can provide reliable legal solutions. An attorney with a thorough understanding of New Mexico legal principles can help identify which parties are responsible and build a compelling case.

An attorney may consult with an expert in the medical field to discuss the standard of care and how your surgeon may have deviated from it. They can protect your rights, negotiate your claim, and maximize your financial recovery. Let Egolf + Ferlic + Martinez, LLC, help with your legal claim while you focus on your physical and mental recovery.

FAQs

What Is the Deadline for Filing a Plastic Surgery Malpractice Claim in Albuquerque, NM?

The deadline for filing a plastic surgery malpractice claim in Albuquerque is three years from the date that an act of malpractice likely occurred. Yet, there are some nuances to this rule, and it’s worth talking to an attorney to make sure you have a valid claim and file your claim in a timely manner.  An attorney can also explain the legal recovery process and protect your right to financial damages after plastic surgery negligence.

Are Plastic Surgery Cases Worth Pursuing?

Yes, plastic surgery cases are worth pursuing. You should file a claim for a botched plastic surgery case if you experienced a negative result and harm. For a winning case, you must show that your medical provider’s actions were outside the accepted standard of care for Albuquerque plastic surgeons. You can pursue financial recovery for your incident, which can help provide closure.

Many people are surprised to learn how much their plastic surgery claim is worth after consulting an attorney. Contact us to discuss the first steps.

What Does a Lawyer Cost for a Plastic Surgery Malpractice Claim in Albuquerque?

All attorneys set their own legal fees in Albuquerque for plastic surgery malpractice claims. The fees you might pay depend on the attorney’s experience, your case’s complexity, and the time the lawyer expects to spend on your unique case. To prepare yourself for a legal claim, you may want to schedule a consultation to discuss anticipated costs. Many firms, including our office, offer a no-cost consultation to discuss written fee agreements.

What Types of Financial Damages Can I Receive if I Win a Plastic Surgery Case in NM?

If you win a plastic surgery case in New Mexico, you may be entitled to recover for compensatory and punitive damages. Compensatory damages are supposed to pay the victim for all they experienced, including recovery for costs of medical bills, lost wages, emotional damages, and more.

If available in your situation, punitive damages are designed to punish the healthcare provider for malicious or reckless behavior. Speak with a trusted attorney at our firm about the types of financial recovery available in your specific case.

Consult an Experienced Albuquerque Plastic Surgery Malpractice Lawyer Today – Free Consultations

At Egolf + Ferlic + Martinez, LLC, we can discuss your available options after a botched plastic surgery procedure. We help victims hold healthcare providers accountable and pursue the comprehensive financial recovery they deserve.

Our office is nestled in the heart of downtown Santa Fe, right off the 285 and 475 highways. Contact us today to plan your plastic surgery malpractice consultation and move forward with your life.