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Gastric Sleeve Disfigurement in Cali: My Rights As A Foreign Patient

If you’re awake at 2 am, scrolling through your phone and feeling scared and alone after your Gastric Sleeve surgery in Cali, you’re not alone. The dream of a new you has turned into a nightmare of disfigurement, and it’s completely understandable to feel lost right now. This wasn’t the outcome you envisioned when you decided to undergo surgery, and your frustration and sadness are valid. Please know that you’re not at fault for what has happened, and there are steps you can take to seek justice.

What Just Happened to You Is Not Your Fault

It’s important to recognize that many women just like you have traveled to Colombia for a Gastric Sleeve procedure and have faced complications, including disfigurement. This experience, while incredibly painful, is not rare. Many people seek weight loss surgeries only to find that the risks were not fully explained or even that the quality of care did not meet their expectations. It’s okay to feel scared, confused, and betrayed. What happened to you is not a reflection of your choices but rather a serious outcome that demands attention.

Is This Medical Malpractice in Colombia?

Disfigurement following a Gastric Sleeve surgery raises important questions about medical malpractice under Colombian law. In simple terms, if the care you received did not meet the accepted medical standards—known as “lex artis” in Colombia—then you may have a case. This includes missteps like improper surgical techniques, insufficient pre-operative evaluations, or inadequate aftercare. While these terms may seem daunting, they essentially mean that doctors are held accountable for following proper procedures and protocols. You have the right to seek answers and justice for the pain you’re enduring.

Why Colombia Is Different From the US or Canada

You may think that navigating a medical malpractice case in Colombia would be similar to the processes back home, but there are key differences to be aware of. Unlike in the United States or Canada, many legal systems in Colombia don’t operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you will likely have to pay your lawyer upfront. Additionally, the legal process may take three to four years, but that doesn’t mean you should give up. Colombia is often a destination for medical tourism precisely because doctors may rely on foreign patients feeling overwhelmed and choosing to walk away. If you’ve been harmed, you deserve to fight for your rights.

What You Should Do Right Now

You might feel paralyzed by the situation, but taking action can help empower you during this scary time. Here are a few steps to consider:

• Gather your medical records: Collect all documents related to your surgery, including consent forms, pre-op assessments, and aftercare instructions.
• Photograph everything: Document your physical condition; these images can be critical in proving your case later.
• Don’t sign anything: Avoid signing any forms or agreements without consulting a lawyer first.
• Contact a lawyer: Find a medical malpractice lawyer in Colombia who has experience with cases like yours. You deserve representation that understands your unique situation.
• Don’t wait: Remember there is a three-year statute of limitations for filing a medical malpractice claim in Colombia, so prompt action is crucial.

How Much Compensation Can You Recover?

If your case qualifies as medical malpractice, compensation can vary widely. You may be entitled to recover for physical damages, psychological harm, the costs of corrective surgeries, lost income, and moral damages for the emotional suffering you’ve endured. It’s important to know that cases brought before the Colombian Supreme Court have resulted in compensation exceeding USD 500,000, depending on the specifics of the situation. Your suffering matters, and there is potential for significant financial recovery.

Talk to Someone Who Understands — Free Case Review

Don’t hesitate to reach out to someone who understands your situation. At Nisimblat Law, we specialize in representing American and Canadian patients who have faced harm in Colombia. Our initial case review is free, and our team speaks English. With 27 years of experience, we have the expertise to help guide you through this process. We utilize Galex AI forensic audits to support our cases, ensuring you receive the attention you deserve. You don’t have to figure this out alone. If you’re ready to explore your options, contact us via WhatsApp at +57 310 485 4137.