Recently, a Seattle-area plastic surgery provider, Allure Esthetic, and its owner, Javad Sajan, were accused of engaging in unethical practices such as posting fake positive reviews and threatening patients over negative ones. This led to a lawsuit being brought against them by Attorney General Bob Ferguson, resulting in a federal consent decree that requires Allure to pay $5 million to the state attorney general’s office and thousands of Washington patients.
As part of the settlement, Allure is required to pay approximately $1.5 million in restitution to around 21,000 individuals. Those who were forced to sign illegal nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) will receive $50 each, while those who paid a nonrefundable consultation fee before signing an illegal NDA will receive $120. The remaining $3.5 million will go towards attorney fees, litigation costs, and monitoring and enforcing the consent decree. This highlights the significant financial impact that Allure’s actions had on both the patients and the state attorney general’s office.
The lawsuit accused Allure of violating state and federal consumer protection laws by engaging in deceptive business practices such as artificially inflating its ratings on platforms like Yelp and Google, as well as rigging “best doctor” competitions. By doing so, Allure eroded the trust of its patients and the public in general, who rely on reviews to make informed decisions about healthcare providers. The unethical behavior exhibited by Allure not only harmed the patients directly involved but also damaged the reputation of the plastic surgery industry as a whole.
Attorney General Bob Ferguson emphasized the importance of holding Allure accountable for its actions, stating that writing truthful reviews about a business should not result in threats or intimidation. The consent decree not only requires monetary restitution but also mandates that Allure undergoes a third-party forensic accounting audit of its consumer rebate program to ensure compliance with the terms of the agreement for the next 10 years. Failure to comply with the terms of the settlement could result in significant civil penalties for Allure and its related businesses.
Despite the settlement, Allure Esthetic maintains that it is focused on providing compassionate care to its patients. The decision to settle was described as difficult but necessary to resolve the case. Moving forward, it is essential for Allure to take concrete steps to rebuild trust with its patients and the community at large. This includes being transparent about its practices, delivering high-quality care, and respecting the rights of patients to express their opinions freely.
The settlement between Allure Esthetic and the state attorney general’s office serves as a reminder of the importance of ethical business conduct, particularly in industries like healthcare where trust and transparency are paramount. While the financial penalties imposed on Allure are significant, the long-term impact on its reputation and patient trust cannot be underestimated. It is imperative for Allure to learn from this experience, make meaningful changes to its practices, and commit to upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in the future.
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