31 October, 2006 - Local woman first to sue for botched cosmetic surgery

A 32-year-old from Leeds has become the first woman in Yorkshire to turn to TJ Legal Solicitors’ specialist cosmetic surgery negligence team to sue a private clinic and surgeon for a botched operation.

Following breast surgery at a local private clinic, Rachel Kidd has suffered disfigurement, asymmetry and scarring – her experience was so bad that she is now seeking recompense through niche law firm TJ Legal Solicitors.

One of a growing number of claims throughout the UK, Rachel’s case will pave the way for other women – and men - in the region that may have experienced cosmetic surgery negligence.

“The number of women having cosmetic surgery is increasing all the time, but the private sector is inadequately regulated,” says Mike Saul, partner, TJ Legal Solicitors. “People are especially at risk if they don’t seek specialist advice and carefully research both clinics and surgeons.

“We are acting for women of all ages who have suffered from a range of problems including disfigurement, severe infections, nerve damage, scarring and psychological injury following cosmetic surgery.

“Unfortunately it seems many clinics are more concerned with making money than patient welfare, and some are getting away with employing doctors who have not completed the relevant higher surgical training.

"We have spoken to scores of people who have received sub-standard surgery and appalling levels of aftercare at private clinics.”

Last year, Manchester-based TJ Legal became the first law firm in the country to set up a specialist cosmetic surgery negligence team. Its service is geared towards supporting women and men by obtaining compensation to enable them to have corrective surgery and receive financial payments to cover any loss of earnings that they might have experienced.