How frequently do plastic surgeons face malpractice lawsuits?

Question

How frequently do plastic surgeons face malpractice lawsuits? The top surgeons on my list both have at least 2 & I’m not sure if this is a huge red flag or par the course for the industry.

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for submitting your question! I recommend researching and scheduling surgery with a board certified plastic surgeon like myself that is not involved in any malpractice lawsuits. There are plastic surgeons that never face lawsuits such as malpractice as I would consider that to be a red flag.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The busier the plastic surgeon the more malpractice lawsuits.  This should not be a red flag.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Today, unfortunately, lawsuits are common, especially in states without tort reform.  In some states, a surgeon maybe sued every 3 years on average. At times, the surgeon was not even involved, but still is sued. Most of those are dropped. Healing and results are not 100% in the surgeon's hands. Many patients do not follow instructions, but still sue. Those surgeons who do trauma surgery and reconstruction are more likely to be sued as well. Look at the surgeon's photos and reviews for a better idea of his/her skills.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

83% of plastic surgeons will have at least one lawsuit during their career.
Most lawsuits are for an hour, settled for small amounts of money because it’s less expensive to pay off the plaintive, then what it cost to go to court to defend yourself. For that reason, a lot of malpractice carriers, prefer plastic surgeons settle for a token sum of money, because in the end, it’s more cost effective than fighting in court. Which state has its own rules and regulations. In California frivolous lawsuits are usually settled for less than $32,000. That is the cut off point when lawsuits are not publicly recorded, and this is usually where most lawsuits are settled, unless there are real damages. 
Generally speaking, the busier, a plastic surgeons career is likely they are to be sued simply because of the number of patients they’ve taken care of. Being a busy plastic surgeon is more likely to lead to lawsuits than those who lack skill and experience.
Having had a previous lawsuit it’s probably not a very good way judging plastic surgeons overall talent.
Some people see easy money, and are quick to ask attorneys to threaten lawsuits and unfortunately, a lot of them are reinforced with payouts, even if the amount is not all that substantial even if the surgeon didn’t do anything wrong.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

How frequently do plastic surgeons face malpractice lawsuits?

Answers (4)

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