American Laser Center American Laser Center They take your money and burn you. Tacoma, Washington

The American Laser Center of Tacoma, WA burned me during at least 4 of the 6 hair removal treatments that I received. My last treatment was the worst, and the pain that it put me through led to a visit to the emergency room. After missing 2 days from work, due to the burns that ran up and down my legs and crotch area, over 25 large black rectangular blisters formed. The blisters remained for a couple of weeks until they finally dried out, but I am now left with permanent scarring, in place of the blisters. I took pictures throughout the ordeal that demonstrate the progression of the burns, from the initial redness, to blisters, and finally to its present state of permanent scarring. 

Every time I voiced my concerns about the burning that was caused by the laser treatment, I was consistently assured that it was normal and that the only necessary intervention would be to apply their self-marketed AmeriPure brand Post-Laser Body Lotion to the burns. I applied the lotion regularly and gave the burns several months to recover naturally, but, even with limited sun exposure, the skin discoloration has not returned to normal.

When I attempted to get a refund for my damages, I was told by the manager, Hope Vasquez, that the center had gone bankrupt since the time of my last treatment and that the clinic was recently taken over by "corporate." She went on to say that I purchased my laser treatment plan from the previous owner, Richard (who I never met in my life!), so there is now nothing they can do. Realizing that she was now refusing to take any responsibility, I simply asked for a copy of the file they were keeping on me, and Hope told me that she would have to gain approval from "corporate," in order to facilitate the request. 

After completing the record request form (and after my husband mentioned that we'd be taking the records to a lawyer), I went on to show her my scars and my pictures. She couldn't believe her eyes, and she took on a much more conciliatory tone for someone who believed that she held no responsibility for my condition. She immediately called an anestician into the room, and the two began to discuss different ways they could attempt to correct the discoloration caused by the scarring. Hope then offered to bring me back into the clinic for free microdermabrasion treatments, and she gave me two bottles of AmeriPure brand Skin Brightener, both of which cost $90/bottle (or so she claimed). I took the bottles from her, but I made no promise to accept her offer for the microdermabrasion treatments.

This place has already caused so much harm, emotionally, financially, and physically. I cannot wear shorts, dresses, or anything that exposes my legs without being asked, "What's wrong with your legs?" I truly do not wish to go back, even if they think they can reverse the damage. At this point, I just cannot trust anything they say.

If anyone can provide any insight as to how I may pursue some kind of compensation for the way I was mistreated at American Laser Center of Tacoma, WA, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks in advance.