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Veneers Necrosis in Cali: My Rights As A Foreign Patient

If you’re here in the quiet of the night, holding your phone in fear and pain, it’s important to know that you are not alone. Many women just like you traveled to Cali, Colombia, hoping to enhance their smiles with veneers, only to experience a shocking turn of events—necrosis. It’s terrifying to think about what has happened, and your feelings of worry and confusion are entirely justified. You want answers, you want relief, and more than anything, you want justice. Your husband or partner is ready to fight for you, but first, let’s talk about your rights and the steps toward accountability.

What Just Happened to You Is Not Your Fault

It’s vital to understand that experiencing necrosis after receiving veneers is not uncommon among foreign patients in Colombia. This is a painful situation that has impacted many individuals who sought dental procedures abroad, just like you did. You may feel scared, anxious, and isolated right now, but the truth is, it’s not a reflection of your decisions—this happens due to complications that could have stemmed from inadequate care or negligence on the part of the medical provider. The most important thing to remember is that you are not to blame for what you are going through.

Is This Medical Malpractice in Colombia?

You might be wondering if what you have experienced qualifies as medical malpractice under Colombian law. While each case is different, necrosis can indeed fall under the category of malpractice if it’s determined that it resulted from a breach of the standard of care, known as “lex artis.” This refers to the accepted practices and procedures that all medical professionals are expected to follow. If your providers deviated from these standards, you could potentially have a case for malpractice.

Why Colombia Is Different From the US or Canada

Navigating the legal landscape in Colombia might feel daunting, especially when compared to the systems in the US or Canada. In Colombia, you might not find contingency fee arrangements, which are common back home. The court process can take several years, and you may feel pressure to give up due to the long wait. However, please remember — justice is absolutely within reach. Many doctors in Colombia count on foreign patients to abandon their cases out of frustration or fear. But don’t let that discourage you. Your story deserves to be heard, and you deserve to pursue compensation for what you’ve endured.

What You Should Do Right Now

Here are some crucial steps you should take immediately:

1. Gather all your medical records and any documentation related to the procedures you received.

2. Take photographs of the affected areas and any visible symptoms.

3. Do not sign any additional documents or waivers until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.

4. Reach out to a medical malpractice lawyer in Colombia who understands cases like yours.

5. Don’t delay; remember there’s a three-year statute of limitations for filing claims.

How Much Compensation Can You Recover?

You may be wondering what kind of compensation you might be entitled to. The types of damages that can be pursued may include physical damages for your medical condition, psychological harm you’ve experienced, costs associated with corrective surgeries, lost income due to your situation, and moral damages for the distress caused. Some cases before the Colombian Supreme Court have resulted in compensations exceeding USD 500,000. Your pain and suffering matter, and you deserve recognition and compensation for what you’ve gone through.

Talk to Someone Who Understands — Free Case Review

If you’re feeling lost or overwhelmed, I invite you to talk to someone who understands your situation. Nisimblat Law represents American and Canadian patients facing similar struggles, and we are here to help. With 27 years of experience, and through our partnerships with resources like the Harvard PON and Galex AI forensic audit, we can provide a free initial review of your case. We speak English and are committed to guiding you through this challenging process. Above all, remember: you don’t have to figure this out alone.