A $25 million settlement has been offered to over a thousand women who claim their lives were “ruined” by a clinic that offered breast augmentations for as little as $5990. The settlement, approved by the New South Wales Supreme Court, stems from a class action lawsuit against the Cosmetic Institute, a popular chain that is currently under liquidation.
The lawsuit, launched in 2017 and led by 12 women as lead plaintiffs, highlighted the harmful experiences of women who underwent procedures at the clinic. One woman went into cardiac arrest after receiving a high dose of local anesthetic, while another now suffers from seizures and a third had to undergo emergency surgery.
The $25 million settlement includes $2.81 million for the 12 lead plaintiffs, with $10 million allocated for legal and administrative costs. The remaining $12.19 million will be distributed among the more than 1000 other women who joined the lawsuit.
Justice Richard Weinstein, who approved the settlement, commended the women for coming forward and acknowledged the “lasting harm” they had endured. He emphasized the intimate nature of the claims, noting that the plaintiffs had their private anatomy examined multiple times and photographed, causing discomfort and embarrassment.
The lawsuit also highlighted the clinic’s alleged “One Size Fits All Approach” to breast augmentation, which disregarded individual anatomy and specific surgical requirements. Patients reported issues such as implant displacement, torn ligaments, torn muscles, and neurological damage as a result of the procedures.
Sarah Jaremenko, one of the clinic’s patients, shared her experience with Channel 7, revealing that one of her implants now sits in her armpit, leading to torn ligaments and muscles. Another woman, Narelle Bayon, described experiencing neurological damage and constant pain due to her $6000 boob job.
The settlement serves as a significant victory for the women involved in the lawsuit, providing compensation for the physical and emotional trauma they endured. Justice Weinstein’s approval of the settlement underscores the importance of holding clinics accountable for their actions and ensuring that patients receive proper care and treatment.
As the women continue to recover from their experiences, the settlement stands as a reminder of the importance of patient safety and the need for transparency and accountability in the cosmetic surgery industry. The $25 million payout serves as a form of justice for the women who suffered at the hands of the Cosmetic Institute, offering them a sense of closure and validation for their struggles.