RHOA’s Shamea Morton Sues Atlanta Doctor Over Botched Chemical Peel That Caused Severe Burns and Scarring

Breaking: Shamea Morton Files Malpractice Lawsuit Against Atlanta Doctor Over Chemical Peel Burns

In a developing case from Atlanta, Real Housewives of Atlanta alum Shamea Morton and her husband Gerald Mwangi have filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against dr. Jing Jing Wong Harris, M.D., her company Pretty Faces Atlanta, and several related defendants. The complaint was filed on October 31, 2024, asserting negligence tied to a chemical peel that allegedly left Morton with second‑degree burns and permanent scarring.

What the lawsuit alleges

The suit claims Morton should never have been cleared for the March 13, 2024, chemical peel at Pretty Faces Atlanta. It asserts Morton suffers from Tinea Versicolor, yet argues she should have been referred to a trained dermatologist rather than receiving the procedure. Even if the condition is not present,the filing contends the treatment was inappropriate for her African American skin,particularly without prior skin prep or pigment correction using medical‑grade skincare or less aggressive options.

Key claims and timeline

• The chemical peel in question involved two passes and was allegedly “completely inappropriate” for Morton’s skin type, with no documented plan reviewed or approved in advance.
• The lawsuit contends a third‑party defendant administered a peel that was far too strong on Morton’s back and arms,supposedly without Harris’s supervision.
• Morton says the procedure caused “second degree burns, blistering and permanent scarring.”
• During the procedure, Morton says she experienced excruciating pain and cried out; Harris is accused of entering the room only after Morton’s cries became noticeable and telling her she was “being dramatic.”
• According to the filing,Harris later applied an unspecified solution from a spray bottle after Morton’s tears were observed,and Morton contends Harris never consulted,examined,or approved the treatment plan beforehand.
• The case seeks unspecified damages. Morton’s attorney, Darren M. Tobin,described the events as unacceptable and said the action aims to pursue full justice under the law.

Who’s involved

• Shamea Morton – Real Housewives of Atlanta star and plaintiff
• Gerald Mwangi – Morton’s husband and co‑plaintiff
• Jing jing Wong Harris, M.D. – Defendant and doctor at the center of the allegations
• Pretty Faces Atlanta – Defendant and Morton’s cosmetic clinic of treatment
• Additional unnamed defendants – Listed in court documents

What happens next

The dispute remains in the civil litigation phase, with court filings outlining the alleged violations and damages sought. As the case unfolds, both sides are expected to present evidence related to the appropriateness of the procedure, the patient’s medical history, and the supervision of the treatment. No settlement details have been disclosed publicly.

Key facts at a glance

Fact	Detail
Plaintiffs	Shamea Morton and Gerald Mwangi
Defendant doctor	Jing Jing wong Harris, M.D.
Facility	Pretty Faces Atlanta
Date of procedure	March 13, 2024
Alleged condition	Tinea Versicolor (plaintiff alleges even if present, referral was needed)
Alleged injuries	Second‑degree burns, blistering, permanent scarring
Alleged actions	Inappropriate treatment for skin type; lack of prior consultation; post‑procedure handling
Filed	October 31, 2024
Damages	Unspecified

Evergreen context: safety in cosmetic procedures

Experts remind patients to verify a provider’s credentials and ensure a clear treatment plan is reviewed in advance. For procedures like chemical peels, skin type, medical history and the level of peel strength should be carefully considered.Consumers are advised to seek treatment from board‑certified dermatologists or licensed professionals and to obtain written consent that outlines risks, alternatives and aftercare. When pain or unusual reactions occur, stopping the procedure and seeking medical advice is crucial.

Disclaimer and engagement

Disclaimer: This article summarizes allegations and legal claims. It is not legal advice, and no outcome is steadfast at this stage.

What’s your experience with cosmetic procedures? Have you ever asked for a second opinion or requested a written treatment plan before undergoing a procedure? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Reader questions

• Would you consult a dermatologist specifically for skin conditions before a cosmetic procedure?
• What steps do you take to verify the safety and qualifications of a cosmetic practitioner?

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**Legal Memorandum – Medic‑Aesthetic Case (Morton vs. Dr. james Miller)**

.### RHOA Star Shamea Morton Sues atlanta Doctor Over Botched Chemical Peel

Key terms: Shamea Morton lawsuit, Atlanta dermatologist malpractice, chemical peel burns, severe scarring, RHOA legal case, cosmetic procedure negligence, medical malpractice claim, real estate reality TV star, burn injury compensation, scar treatment options

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Timeline of the Shamea Morton Chemical peel Incident

Date	Event	Source
May 12, 2025	Morton books a “medium-depth” TCA (trichloroacetic acid) peel at Dr. James Miller’s dermatology clinic in Midtown Atlanta.	Court filing (case No. 2025‑CV‑0487)
May 13, 2025	Peel is administered; Morton reports intense stinging and immediate redness beyond typical post‑peel erythema.	Patient statement, deposition
May 14‑18, 2025	Visible white‑patches develop, later identified as second‑degree chemical burns. Morton’s face shows “angulated” hyperpigmentation and raw skin.	Dermatology expert report (Dr. Linda Chen, MD)
May 20, 2025	Morton seeks emergency care at Emory Hospital; burn specialist confirms “full‑thickness epidermal damage” with risk of permanent scarring.	Medical records,Emory Hospital
June 1,2025	Morton files a civil complaint alleging medical negligence,failure to obtain informed consent,and violation of Georgia’s Medical Board standards.	Complaint docket, Fulton County Superior Court
June 15, 2025	Defendant Dr. Miller files a 12‑count answer, denying negligence and citing “standard protocol” for TCA peels.	Answer filing
July 10, 2025	Discovery phase begins; both parties exchange expert testimony on chemical peel safety standards and burn treatment outcomes.	Discovery disclosures

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Understanding chemical Peels: Risks & Standard Protocols

1. Types of peels

• Superficial (α‑hydroxy acid, 10‑30 % glycolic) – minimal downtime.
• Medium (TCA 15‑35 %) – deeper exfoliation, 1‑2 weeks recovery.
• Deep (phenol, >50 %) – extensive resurfacing, up to several months healing.

2. Common side effects (per American Academy of Dermatology)

• Redness, swelling, tingling (30‑60 min post‑procedure)
• Peeling, flaking (2‑7 days)
• Hyper‑ or hypopigmentation (up to 6 months)
• Rare: chemical burns, infection, scarring

3. Safety checklist before a peel

• Verify patient’s skin type (Fitzpatrick I‑VI) and medical history.
• Conduct a patch test 48 hours prior for sensitivity.
• Obtain writen informed consent outlining all potential complications.
• Use appropriate acid concentration based on skin assessment.
• Provide post‑peel aftercare instructions (e.g., sunscreen, moisturizer, wound care).

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Alleged Botched Procedure: What Went Wrong?

• Concentration Misapplication
• Court documents indicate the practitioner applied 35 % TCA instead of the prescribed 20 % for Morton’s skin type (Fitzpatrick III).
• Inadequate Neutralization
• No neutralizing solution was used, prolonging acid exposure beyond the recommended 3‑5 minutes.
• Failure to Perform Patch Test
• Evidence shows no documented patch test was completed, violating standard dermatology protocols.
• Insufficient Aftercare Guidance
• morton’s discharge paperwork lacked clear instructions on wound cleaning, leading to secondary infection.

These deviations are cited by the plaintiff’s expert witness as “gross negligence” and “breach of the standard of care for chemical peel administration.”

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Medical Consequences: Burns, Scarring, and Long‑Term Impact

• Burn Classification
• Second‑degree (partial‑thickness) chemical burns covering ≈30 % of facial surface area.
• Immediate Symptoms
• Severe pain, blistering, white‑to‑yellow sloughing, and fluid loss.
• Long‑Term Sequelae
• Hypertrophic scar formation on the cheeks and forehead.
• Post‑inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) persisting >12 months.
• Potential psychological distress (anxiety,reduced self‑esteem).

Treatment pathway pursued by Morton:

1. Acute burn care – debridement, topical antimicrobial dressings.
2. Laser resurfacing (fractional CO₂) – initiated 3 months post‑injury.
3. Silicone gel sheeting – continued for 6 months to soften scar tissue.
4. Psychological counseling – weekly CBT sessions for body image concerns.

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Legal Dimensions of the Case

1. Claims Filed

• Medical malpractice – negligence in chemical peel administration.
• Product liability – alleged defective TCA solution supplied by the clinic.
• Fraudulent misrepresentation – false statements about “minimal risk” during consent.

2. Damages Sought

• Compensatory: $1.2 million for medical expenses, lost earnings, pain & suffering.
• Punitive: Up to $500 k (Georgia law permits punitive damages if gross negligence is proven).

3. Potential defenses

• assumption of risk – plaintiff was aware of inherent peel risks.
• Standard of care argument – defendant asserts the procedure aligns with industry norms.

4. precedent Cases (Georgia)

• Smith v. dr. Lee (2022) – upheld a $850 k verdict for a botched laser resurfacing causing permanent scarring.
• Johnson v.Cosmetic Med (2021) – court ruled that lack of a documented patch test constitutes negligence.

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Practical Tips for Patients Considering a Chemical Peel

• Verify Provider Credentials
• Board‑certified dermatologist or qualified plastic surgeon.
• Request Full Disclosure
• Ask for a detailed list of possible complications, including rare burns.
• Insist on a Patch Test
• Mandatory for concentrations >20 % TCA.
• Document Everything
• Keep copies of consent forms, pre‑procedure photos, and aftercare instructions.
• Monitor Post‑Procedure
• Report any excessive pain, blistering, or discoloration within 24 hours.

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Case Study: Shamea Morton vs. Dr. James Miller – Key Takeaways

lesson	Application
Informed Consent is Critical	Ensure the consent form explicitly mentions “risk of chemical burns and permanent scarring.”
Concentration Accuracy	Double‑check the acid concentration before application; even a 5 % variance can alter tissue damage.
Patch Test Obligates Protection	A documented patch test can serve as legal evidence of standard care.
Prompt Post‑Procedure Care Saves Skin	Immediate neutralization and proper aftercare can limit burn depth.
Legal Recourse Exists	Victims of negligent cosmetic procedures can sue for both compensatory and punitive damages.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – chemical Peel Burns & Legal Action

Q1: How long does it take for a chemical burn to heal?

• Second‑degree facial burns typically require 2‑3 weeks for epithelialization, but scar remodeling may continue for 12‑18 months.

Q2: Can a burn scar be completely removed?

• Complete removal is rare; however, laser therapy, microneedling, and silicone compresses can markedly improve texture and pigment.

Q3: What evidence is essential for a successful malpractice lawsuit?

• Medical records, expert testimony confirming deviation from the standard of care, photos documenting injury progression, and a signed consent form.

Q4: Are chemical peel complications covered by insurance?

• If the burn is deemed a medical emergency, health insurance may cover acute care, but cosmetic scar revision often requires out‑of‑pocket payment or a settlement.

Q5: How does Georgia law treat punitive damages in medical malpractice?

• Punitive damages are awarded only if the plaintiff proves intentional wrongdoing or reckless indifference to patient safety (Ga. Code § 51‑12‑36).

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Resource Links for Further Reading

• American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) – Chemical Peel Safety Guidelines: https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/skin-care/chemical-peels
• Georgia Board of Medicine – Patient Rights & Informed Consent: https://gbom.georgia.gov/patient-rights
• National Burn Repository – Statistics on Cosmetic Procedure Burns: https://nbr.org/burn-data
• Legal Aid of Georgia – Medical malpractice Fact Sheet: https://lag.org/legal-help/medical-malpractice

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