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Nerve injuries after foot surgery often come from mistakes during the procedure. A surgeon who cuts too close to a nerve can cause lasting damage. In some cases, failure to recognize nerve placement leads to unnecessary trauma.
Post-surgical care also matters. If the doctor overlooks early signs of infection, swelling can compress nerves and cause permanent harm. Poor surgical planning or rushed operations can increase risks.
Patients depend on clear communication about potential complications, and a lack of follow-up or failure to monitor healing can turn a routine procedure into a serious nerve injury.
Common Nerve Injuries Linked to Podiatric Malpractice
Several nerve injuries may give rise to malpractice claims after foot surgery, including:
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the tibial nerve that causes pain, numbness, and tingling
- Severed or Damaged Nerves: Accidental cutting of the nerves during bunion, hammertoe, or heel surgery
- Loss of Sensation: Inability to feel pressure, temperature, or touch in part of the foot
- Chronic Neuropathic Pain: Ongoing nerve pain that limits walking and daily activities
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: Severe pain and mobility loss that worsens over time
Warning Signs of a Foot Nerve Injury After Surgery
Foot surgery patients should look out for post-op warning signs of nerve injury, such as:
- Burning or Shooting Pain: Pain that does not improve or worsens with time
- Numbness or Tingling: Loss of normal feeling in toes or other parts of the foot
- Swelling with Pain: Inflammation that puts pressure on nerves
- Weakness or Difficulty Walking: Trouble bearing weight or loss of stability
- Loss of Balance: Frequent stumbling or inability to walk without support
- Cold or Discolored Skin: Changes in circulation linked to nerve damage
- Slow Healing with Persistent Symptoms: Pain and dysfunction that do not match normal recovery
How Podiatric Malpractice Attorneys Investigate Foot Nerve Injury Claims
Podiatric malpractice attorneys typically begin nerve injury investigations with a full review of the patient’s surgical records. Operative notes can indicate whether the surgeon acted with care or ignored known risks. Attorneys can also gather imaging results and compare them with surgical plans to identify possible mistakes. Additionally, post-surgical notes can reveal whether the doctor and their team monitored the patient properly.
Many investigations also involve the opinions from medical experts to help determine if the care met acceptable standards. A strong case will usually include a comprehensive timeline of the patient’s symptoms and proof of how the injury has changed their life.
When a Foot Nerve Injury May Be Grounds for a Malpractice Claim
Not every nerve injury after foot surgery is proof of malpractice. Some procedures carry unavoidable risks, even when surgeons perform the operations correctly. However, if your injury results from errors that another competent doctor would not have made, you could have a malpractice claim. Injuries related to misdiagnoses, surgical mistakes, or inadequate follow-up care often fall into this category. An attorney can assess the details of your case, compare them to accepted medical standards, and advise you on whether malpractice might have occurred.
Why New York Patients Turn to Dental & Podiatry Malpractice Lawyers of New York
Attorney Lawrence M. Karam provides dedicated legal support to patients who have suffered lasting harm after podiatric surgery. Attorney Karam brings both decades of experience and a strong track record of success to every case he handles. His unique training includes coursework podiatrists take to maintain their licenses and direct observation of complex surgeries, which gives him valuable insight that few attorneys can match. He understands both the medical and legal sides of these cases and fights hard for his clients’ rights.
Contact Attorney Karam today for a free consultation to learn more about how Mr. Karam can help you recover the compensation you deserve. You will not owe any legal fees unless he secures compensation for you.