That Wasn’t in the Deal, Clinical Subject Says

DALLAS (CN) - A participant in a clinical study of sunscreen claims in court that she was seriously burned on her butt when a Dallas research firm fired lasers at her.

Lisa Cain sued research firm Thomas J. Stephens & Associates, of Dallas, in Dallas County Court.

Cain says she participated in the January study, which sought to estimate the sun protection factor (SPF) and product category designation (PCD) of sunscreens.

She says the consent form she signed states the risks would be minor.

"During the procedure, sunscreen was applied and a laser was used to test the efficacy of the sunscreen on plaintiff's lower left posterior area of the back," the complaint states.

"Various lasers were placed on plaintiff's back for what proved to be an unsafe and unreasonable amount of time, resulting in extreme pain and discomfort to plaintiff."

Cain claims she told staff workers that it hurt, and they told her it was normal.

"Relying upon this representation, plaintiff proceeded with the third round of laser implementation," the lawsuit states. "Immediately thereafter, the areas exposed to the laser began showing signs of serious burns, including large blisters."

Cain says she stopped the session and refused to participate in the remaining three rounds of testing. She says she is permanently scarred and disfigured.

Thomas J. Stephens & Associates did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday evening.

Cain seeks actual and punitive damages for negligence, negligent misrepresentation, breach of contract and assault. She is represented by Jim Ross in Arlington.

Follow @davejourno

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