Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure that gets rid of unwanted hair from common problem areas such as the upper lip, chin, bikini area and legs. The procedure is performed by focusing a high-density light onto the skin to destroy hair follicles. The heat from the laser machine goes underneath the surface of the skin to shock the skin and hair follicles, making it more difficult for the hair to grow back. Permanently removing the hair typically requires a series of treatments, which can last up to a year.
Due to its growing popularity, more and more spas and salons have begun offering laser hair removal treatment. Unfortunately, when unqualified and untrained technicians perform this procedure, the risk of injury increases. Whether performed in a medical or non-medical setting, laser hair removal burn injuries are becoming all too common.
If you or a loved one has suffered injury from a laser hair removal procedure, it is important to have strong legal counsel in your corner to advise you on your rights and options. A seasoned Carlsbad personal injury lawyer can thoroughly assess your case and determine the best course of action to ensure you receive the just compensation you deserve.
How Does a Laser Hair Removal Injury Claim Work?
When you suffer injury resulting from a laser hair removal treatment, it is important to take several steps as soon as possible:
- Take photographs and retain all records related to your procedure
- Seek proper medical attention for your injuries; and while there, be sure to document the type of injuries suffered (e.g., second-degree or third-degree burns)
- Do NOT continue receiving laser hair removal treatments from those who injured you
- Consult with an experienced San Diego personal injury attorney to evaluate your case
- If it is determined that you have a strong case, proceed with legal action
Once you decide to move forward with a laser hair removal injury claim, your attorney will begin by negotiating with the other side. A court trial is a costly and protracted process. For this reason, the most desirable result is to reach a favorable out of court settlement. There are times, however, when the other side is not being reasonable. In such cases, going to trial may be the only way to ensure you are fully compensated for your injuries.
During the legal process, you should never speak with the insurance company for the other side without first consulting with your laser hair removal injury attorney. Insurance companies represent the interests of their clients. As such, they may try to low-ball you with a quick settlement offer, or they may try to downplay your injuries or get you to say something that may be damaging to your case. In general, it is best to let your attorney deal with the insurance company regarding anything related to your injury.
Types of Laser Hair Removal Injuries that Occur in San Diego
There are several ways laser hair removal treatments can cause harm to patients in San Diego, some of the most common include:
- Burning: The intense heat from the laser machine has been known to result in second or third-degree burns, especially when the machine is turned up too high or left on too long. This can cause severe pain, rashes, blisters, swelling, infections, blood loss, shock, permanent scars, and damage to internal organs or bones.
- Skin Discoloration: Laser hair removal treatments can cause hyper-pigmentation, a darkening of the skin, and hypo-pigmentation, a lightening of the skin. For example, patients have been known to develop brown spots, reddish pink spots, and grainy, pimple-like spots in targeted areas after treatment. Hyper-pigmentation is reversible, but the process is costly. Hypo-pigmentation is permanent and cannot be reversed.
- Ingrown Hair: In some cases, hair removal treatments have caused a sharp increase in hair growth in the targeted areas. This can become another source of discomfort, embarrassment, and humiliation for patients.
No matter how the injury happened, if it involved someone else’s negligence, you may be able to recover compensation. Don’t wait to get help from someone you can trust- a San Diego laser hair removal burn injury lawyer can help.
How Will a San Diego Laser Hair Removal Injury Attorney Help Me?
Laser hair removal injury claimsmedical treatment
At Hamparyan Injury Lawyers, we understand the enormous physical, emotional and financial stress laser hair removal injury victims experience, and we work closely with you to ensure the legal process is as smooth and seamless as possible. We have handled numerous cases like yours over the years. We are very familiar with the tactics insurance companies and their high-priced lawyers typically employ, and we know what it takes to prevail against even the most well-funded adversaries. Entrust your case to a San Diego burn injury lawyer who cares.
San Diego Laser Hair Removal Injury Statistics
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, roughly 1.1 million laser hair removal procedures were performed in the U.S. in 2015, an increase of 50% since 2000. As its popularity grows, an increasing number of severe burns and other types of laser hair removal injuries have also occurred.
Med Page Today reports on a Harvard Medical School study that found a gradual increase in the number of laser hair removal injury lawsuits between 1985 and 2012, with the largest number of cases originating in California. Plastic surgeons and dermatologists were most commonly involved in these actions. However, 40% involved nurses, aestheticians, and other non-physicians.
There are numerous laser hair removal centers in San Diego and in the surrounding areas. Given the inherent risks associated with such procedures and the increase in injuries, the chances of negligence occurring at these centers may be higher than you think. When negligence happens, your willingness to contact a San Diego burn injury lawyer immediately can help your case significantly.
California Insurance Laws Regarding Laser Hair Removal Accidents
According to the Medical Board of California, only physicians and licensed physician’s assistants and registered nurses who are who are under the supervision of a physician are allowed to use lasers and intense pulse devices to remove hair. Unlicensed medical assistants, cosmetologists, estheticians, licensed vocational nurses, electrologists, and other technicians are not allowed to perform laser hair removal under any circumstances – even if they have a “sponsoring physician” on staff to “supervise” the procedure.
Unfortunately, there are numerous spas, medi-spas, and salons that illegally offer this treatment. Many are unaware of the law, while others may be choosing to ignore it because the procedure is so lucrative.
In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is two years from date you suffered the injury. For this reason, if you sustained an injury at the hands of a licensed or unlicensed laser hair removal treatment provider, time is of the essence. Your attorney needs time to get organized, put together a solid case, and negotiate with the other side. If you wait too long, the insurance company for the defendant may try to stall and run out the clock.
Why Choose Hamparyan Injury Lawyers?
At Hamparyan Injury Lawyers, we have represented countless clients in laser hair removal injury actions, and we put our extensive experience to work to aggressively advocate for the rights and interests of each client we serve. We are strong negotiators and skilled litigators. If we are unable to reach a fair settlement out of court, we are ready and able to take your case to trial.
When you work with us, you receive several other benefits as well, including:
- An honest and straightforward assessment of your case
- Highly personalized service
- Ongoing communication throughout the process
- Attorneys with a solid reputation in the San Diego legal community
- An unwavering commitment to ensuring that those responsible for your injuries are held fully accountable
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injury resulting from laser hair removal treatment, speak with us right away for a thorough analysis of your case.
