What is Classed as Medical Negligence?

Medical negligence is the term used to describe substandard medical care. The substandard level of care may have directly caused an injury or caused a pre-existing condition to worsen.

There are many ways that medical negligence can occur, such as surgical mistakes and incorrect treatment.

Making a compensation claim for medical negligence can seem difficult and complicated, but Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors is here to make the process as easy and jargon-free as possible.

If you have a question about making a claim, take a look at the commonly asked questions below, or give us a call on 0808 256 1296.

How do I make a medical negligence claim?

To make a medical negligence claim, it is important to contact a specialist solicitor to help you. Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors is able to handle making the claim for you, and everything that follows.

Fill in our enquiry form to start your claims process today.

How do I prove my medical negligence case? 

The first step to making any medical negligence claim is to establish that it is valid. To qualify, you will need to prove liability and causation. To establish liability, it needs to be proved that the practitioner that treated you was negligent in the standard of care that they provided to you.

To prove causation, it needs to be demonstrated that their negligence was responsible for your injury/condition. Evidence in the form of photographs, medical documents, and any emails/letters can help us build your medical negligence case. 

How much can I claim?

Each case is different, so there is no consistent figure that can be provided for every instance. Compensation amounts can depend on the following: 

• The severity of the injury
• Financial loss due to the recovery time 
• The amount of proof you can provide

Are there time limits to make my claim?

Yes, there are time limits to be able to make your claim. In the UK, you have three years to make a medical negligence claim from the date that you realised (or ought to have realised) your injury was linked to the medical negligence (which is not necessarily the date on which you suffered the injury). 

There are some exceptions to this rule, however. If you suffered medical negligence before age 18, the three-year time constraint only comes into action when you turn 18.

Also, if you, or the person you are claiming for, lack the mental capacity to be able to make a claim for yourself, the three-year time limit is not factored in.

The court also has the discretion to allow you to pursue a claim outside the time limit. 

Can I claim against the NHS?

Claiming against the NHS can feel daunting, but it is possible and within reason to do so. If you have suffered an injury or illness due to the negligent practice of an NHS practitioner, you may be entitled to compensation, just as you would be if it was a private practitioner. 

How long do cases take to settle?

At Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors, we try and settle claims as quickly as possible, while making sure you get the compensation you deserve. The time your claim takes depends on the complexity of your case, and every case is different.

Contact us

If you have any further questions, or have suffered from medical negligence and require advice, we are here to help. Contact us on 0808 271 8345 or fill out our online contact form. 
 

Is it Ok to Sneeze After Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty surgery is a cosmetic procedure that alters the structure and appearance of the nose. During the healing process, the nasal tissues are extremely delicate and nose surgery patients should avoid doing anything that could risk damage while they are healing. Some patients may wonder whether sneezing episodes could affect their surgical outcome and may want to understand how to mitigate these risks.

This blog will outline what the risks of sneezing are on rhinoplasty results, what the signs of damage are and the actions patients can take to ensure a smooth healing process after nose reshaping surgery.

Is it ok to sneeze after rhinoplasty?

Sneezing after a nose job can put strain on the delicate nasal tissues as they heal. While it is not possible to completely avoid sneezing, taking precautions can help prevent complications. Forceful sneezing can lead to swelling, bleeding, or even changes in the results of the surgery. To minimise the impact, patients are advised to sneeze with their mouths open, which helps to reduce pressure on the nasal structures during sneezing.

During the initial weeks of recovery, the nose is particularly vulnerable. The internal structures are still settling, and any excessive force could disrupt healing. If sneezing becomes frequent due to allergies or irritants, consult a medical professional for advice on managing symptoms safely.

What advice should I follow when recovering from rhinoplasty?

Proper aftercare is essential for a successful rhinoplasty recovery. Patients should follow their surgeon’s guidance, which typically includes:

• Avoiding strenuous activities: heavy lifting, exercise and bending over can increase blood pressure and swelling.
• Keeping the head elevated: sleeping with the head propped up on pillows can help reduce swelling and improve circulation.
• Avoiding nose blowing: forceful nose blowing can disrupt healing and lead to complications such as bleeding.
• Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet: proper nutrition supports tissue repair.
• Following medication instructions: any prescribed pain relief or antibiotics should be taken as directed to aid healing and prevent infection.
• Avoid wearing glasses: given that glasses rest on the bridge of the nose, this can place pressure on the healing nasal structures that could affect the final surgical outcome. Surgeons may recommend that patients avoid glasses for a minimum of four to six weeks following surgery, opting for contact lenses where possible.

How do I know if I damaged my rhinoplasty because of sneezing?

If the nose experiences excessive force - whether from a sneeze or accidental impact - patients may be concerned about whether their rhinoplasty results have been affected. Signs of potential damage include:

• Sudden or increased swelling: some swelling is normal after surgery, but unexpected or prolonged swelling may indicate an issue.
• Persistent nasal pain: if discomfort worsens rather than improves, it could suggest internal irritation or damage to the nasal passages.
• Changes in nasal shape: any visible changes in symmetry or structure may be a sign that the healing process has been disrupted.
• Nasal bleeding: while minor spotting can occur, persistent or heavy bleeding should be evaluated by a medical professional.

If any of these signs appear, consult your surgeon promptly to assess whether additional care or adjustments are needed.

Recognising the signs of surgical complications

While sneezing can put strain on the healing nose and potentially affect rhinoplasty results, all cosmetic surgery carries some level of risk that could occur regardless if the patient sneezes or not. Rhinoplasty is no exception, and while complications are uncommon, they can sometimes occur even when patients carefully follow post-operative care instructions.

Patients should be aware of the warning signs that could indicate a complication, including:

• Persistent or worsening pain: discomfort that does not improve or suddenly worsens could indicate an issue with healing.
• Excessive swelling that does not subside: while some swelling is expected, prolonged or severe swelling beyond what was discussed could be a sign of fluid retention or another complication.
• Prolonged or heavy bleeding: minor spotting is normal in the early stages, but ongoing or excessive bleeding should be assessed by a medical professional.
• Difficulty breathing: some nasal congestion is expected in the immediate aftermath of rhinoplasty, however, if nasal airflow becomes significantly obstructed or breathing issues continue beyond what was expected, it may indicate internal swelling or a structural issue.
• Signs of infection: redness, warmth, unusual discharge or fever could indicate an infection that requires medical attention.
• Visible changes in nasal shape: if the nose appears asymmetrical or changes unexpectedly, there may be a disruption in the healing process.

Understanding your surgeon's duty of care

Your surgeon has a legal and ethical duty of care to ensure that procedures like rhinoplasty are carried out safely and to a reasonable standard. This duty extends from the initial consultation through to post-operative care, your safety and wellbeing at every stage.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing full and accurate information: surgeons must explain the risks, benefits, and expected outcomes of rhinoplasty, allowing patients to make an informed decision.
• Conducting thorough pre-surgical assessments: a surgeon must evaluate a patient’s medical history, overall health, and suitability for the procedure.
• Following best medical practices: during surgery, the surgeon must adhere to industry standards and regulatory guidelines to minimise risks and complications.
• Ensuring proper post-operative care: patients should receive clear aftercare instructions, access to follow-up appointments, and prompt support if complications arise.
• Acting in the patient’s best interests: surgeons should never pressure individuals into undergoing surgery and must ensure patients have realistic expectations about their results.

Finding help if your surgeon was negligent

Should you believe that your surgeon performed your rhinoplasty surgery negligently, experts in rhinoplasty surgery claims such as Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors will be able to help you make a claim for compensation. Our friendly, knowledgeable team can help you to understand your rights, compile evidence needed to build a case and secure compensation on your behalf.

Speak to our team today by calling 0808 231 6370 or using our online contact form.