Professional Negligence Law Reporter

Lanman v. Mall, No. A-16-745815-C (Nev. Dist. Ct. Clark Cnty. Oct. 17, 2018).

Patricia Lanman underwent a J-Plasma skin resurfacing treatment performed by family physician Michael Mall. During the treatment, Lanman suffered laser burns to her face and neck and developed severe hypotrophic scarring along her jaw line. She sued Mall, alleging he breached the standard of care by applying the laser to her neckline. The plaintiff asserted that the standard of care called for no or limited resurfacing near her neck, which is at risk for complications due to its inherent skin thinness and lower number of skin adnexal structures.

The jury awarded $132,000.

Plaintiff counsel: Daniel Marks and Nicole Young, both of Las Vegas.
Plaintiff expert: John Minoli, plastic surgery, Henderson, Nev.
Defense expert: Michael Desvigne, plastic surgery, Scottsdale, Ariz.