Today, trial attorneys Craig Brown and Lauren Edmunds filed suit on behalf of a Geneva woman who sustained serious burns on her neck as a result of a doctor’s failure to properly administer a routine chemical peel.
On March 3, 2021, Susan visited a licensed cosmetic physician for a consultation to address bothersome cheek wrinkles. At his recommendation, Susan underwent a deep 89% phenol chemical peel on her face and neck under anesthesia. During the commonly “low risk” procedure, the physician applied the solution to Susan’s neck without any variation in concentration or limitation of the amount of time the chemical was applied to the thinner area of her skin, causing deep penetration to Susan’s neck.
“There was no mention [at the consultation] of the risks of permanent scarring, 2nd degree or let alone 3rd degree burns, contractures, possible skin grafts, months of healing, and intense pain,” described Susan.
Post procedure, Susan began experiencing significant swelling, pain, and limited mobility in her neck which she expressed great concern about, but she was reassured by her physician that she was healing as expected. It was not until seven weeks later when she eventually sought medical attention at Loyola Burn Unit, that her concerns about the severity of her condition were affirmed and her grime prognosis was disclosed.
From that day forward, Susan has undergone two unsuccessful and very painful skin graft surgeries, countless doctors’ visits, and months of intense rehabilitation, with more surgeries and procedures in Susan’s future. Susan also lost the full range of motion in her neck, drastically reducing her enjoyment of life. She can’t turn her head without excruciating pain, she can’t sit out in the sun without risk of aggravating her burns, and she can’t go out in public without worried stares at her scars.
“We contend that the doctor failed to follow standard procedures to apply chemical peels. The doctor should have varied the concentration of the chemical for thinner areas of the skin, neutralized the solution before it caused permanent damage, and should have limited the time the solution was applied to her neck,” Craig Brown stated. “The physician failed to recognize the permanent damage that was occurring and took no action to reduce the likelihood of complications. He also failed to recognize her improper healing in the subsequent weeks after the procedure.”
This case is currently pending in Kane County and is being handled by trial attorneys Craig D. Brown and Lauren E. Edmunds. Since taking on the case, Mr. Brown and Ms. Edmunds immediately began investigating all potential claims and retaining experts. Through the opinions of our retained expert, what became apparent was that “the doctor didn’t know what he didn’t know,” said co-counsel Lauren Edmunds. “He went as cheap as possible by doing a phenol peel. He didn’t counsel her on alternative options. He didn’t warn her of the serious risks involved with using this chemical. He essentially held a blow torch to her neck without realizing the damage he was doing to her.”
“We are determined to present Susan’s story and our case to a jury if the insurance companies for the Defendant refuse to make a reasonable settlement offer that will help our client pay for continued medical care for the foreseeable future,” said Lauren Edmunds.
Putting our clients first is at the forefront of everything we do at Meyers & Flowers. Our firm demands justice for those who have been forced to deal with unnecessary hardships and injuries. If you or a loved one have been a victim of negligence, please contact our team of experienced personal injury attorneys at 630-232-6333 or online to request a free case evaluation.