A once an aspiring modelwho gave up her career hopes after a laser hair removal treatment procedure that left her legs with permanent burns and scars, was awarded by the Supreme Court 80,000 euros in damages.
At the time of the 2020 event, Ana Koretsi she was a part-time model preparing her portfolio in hopes of launching a full-time modeling career when she suffered first-degree burns, she claimed.
Ms Coretchi (30), of Greenfield Park, Donnybrook, Dublin, brought an injury action against Dundrum Cosmetic, Dundrum Medical Cosmetic Clinic and owner Gordosek Limited, all with addresses in Dundrum Town Centre, alleging negligence and breach of duty.
In the High Court on Tuesday, Ms Justice Carmel Stewart awarded €80,000 in general damages to Ms Coretchi solely against the third defendant, Gordosek Ltd, which did not file a defense and which never responded to the plaintiff’s legal team.
The court heard Ms Coretchi attended Dundrum Cosmetic on July 4, 2020, for laser hair removal on the back of her thighs.
After treatment, Ms Coretchi said she suffered burns and later complained of injuries to the back of her thighs.
A GP examination confirmed that the claimant had extensive brown discoloration in a semi-circular pattern on her thighs and two areas of skin ulceration were noted.
The GP considered that Ms Coretchi had suffered first degree burns from the laser.
She was encouraged to continue using moisturizer, prescribed Fucidin H for the ulcerated areas and a short course of Xanax for anxiety.
Ms Coretchi then went to a consultant dermatologist who documented that she had “extensive white hypopigmentation on her rear thighs and it may be permanent”.
In the High Court today, Ms Coretchi told barrister John P Shortt SC, with Tracy Ennis Faherty BL, instructed by barrister Lauren Callaly of Hussey Fraser Solicitors, that the burning sensation lasted for three weeks.
She told Mr Shortt that at the time she hoped the scars would disappear and that her anxiety meant she suffered from chest tightness and disturbed sleep.
“I was very stressed,” she said, adding that she was modeling at the time and “very excited” about this new experience, but had to put completion of her portfolio on hold.
A second consultation with the dermatologist diagnosed a second-degree burn, but the hypopigmentation lasted a total of 18 months, which she said caused her social embarrassment and difficulty in relationships.
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She said she was uncomfortable showing her legs, couldn’t wear anything short and couldn’t wear anything tight due to nerve damage causing painful sensitivity.
Mr Shortt said it was a “quite serious and uncomfortable” situation for Ms Coretchi and that the burns, combined with a series of scars, put the case for damages at the higher end of the scale for this type of injury, at €80,000.
Ms Shortt said the burn and scarring were “extensive” for a young modeling lady and the incident affected her confidence and career path as Ms Coretchi had to start a new career.
Ms Justice Stewart said Ms Coretch had suffered an “unfortunate, distressing event”, found the third defendant negligent and awarded €80,000 in damages to the claimant.
