The recent death of Karen McGonigal, a 53-year-old mother from Greater Manchester, has brought another deeply troubling case into the spotlight. Karen died just days after receiving an unlicensed dose of semaglutide, administered not by a healthcare professional but by a local beautician offering injections for £20.

From time to time, I come across discussions in mainstream medical law that feel particularly relevant to the medical aesthetic practice. Recently, I listened to a legal conversation in Episode 204 of Law Pod UK centred on causation in clinical negligence and the evolving approach to informed consent.

What the UK’s new cosmetic regulations announcement means for patient safety, practitioners, and the future of the aesthetics industry.

In my latest blog, I’m sharing what I’ve learned from years of reviewing aesthetic negligence cases, and why sticking to an agreed plan is a safeguard for everyone involved.

The tragic death of Alice Webb, a 33-year-old mother of five, following a non-surgical Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedure, has underscored the urgent need for change in the UK’s cosmetic industry.

In aesthetic practice, responding promptly to a patient reporting side effects after an injectable treatment is essential for patient safety, trust, and legal accountability.

For the average individual, this standard reflects what a reasonable person would consider appropriate. For professionals, however, the standard is higher, reflecting the expertise and training expected in their field.

From my experience, it is crucial for solicitors to rely on expert witnesses to provide clarity on whether a practitioner’s actions met the expected standard of care.

Negligence is a type of civil wrongdoing (tort) that happens when someone fails to take reasonable care, and their actions (or lack of them) cause harm or loss to another person. It’s one of the most common types of claims in personal injury, medical malpractice, and other civil cases.