New York City Podiatric Malpractice Lawyer
Lawrence M. Karam, PC
Location: New York, New York
Phone: 212-712-0008
E-mail Me
After working in several large personal injury law firms starting in 1980, I opened my solo practice in 1997 so that I could give each client more attention with a continuity of representation – only one lawyer for your case, the same lawyer you meet at your initial interview, and who will handle all important stages of the case up to and including a trial. I strive to give each client the comfort of knowing that when they call my office they will always have only one lawyer to deal with. In addition to myself, I have the support of medical experts, paralegals, nurses and medical researchers.
I graduated from Syracuse University, School of Management, in 1976, Summa Cum Laude. I chose St. John’s University Law School in Jamaica, Queens so I could also work my way through law school at a small, general practice law firm in Mineola, New York. My law practice began in 1980 as an associate lawyer in the field of “medical malpractice.” Since then I have had the privilege to work at some of the best personal injury law firms in New York and with some of the best lawyers in product liability, municipal liability, and general injury cases.
I was licensed to practice in law in New York State in 1980 and am admitted to practice in these Federal Courts: Western, Eastern and Southern Districts of New York. I am a member of the New York State Bar Association and the New York State Trial Lawyers Association.
My practice covers all areas of Medical Malpractice including surgery, internal medicine, cancer, misdiagnosis, medication errors, and nursing home negligence.
Of all the different areas in medical malpractice, it is podiatry malpractice that has had a particular interest to me. Frustrated that the standard podiatry textbooks used in podiatry schools did not “tell all,” I was able to learn podiatry surgery first hand by being a guest observer in the operating room and saw a variety of surgeries including bunions, hammertoe corrections, and heel spur/plantar fascia release. I then attended the same lectures and programs licensed podiatrists are required to attend to maintain their license.
I keep current with new podiatry trends by subscribing to several leading podiatry journals including The Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association and The Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery. Finally, my experience brought me to a major teaching hospital in New York City as a regular guest lecturer to the podiatry residency program.
My practice includes clients not only from New York City and its suburbs but also from upstate New York including Albany, Binghamton, and Buffalo and many small, rural towns and villages all over New York State.
With 34 years practicing law and representing hundreds of victims of malpractice, I have created a law practice in which my clients are comfortable knowing that their case is being handled with my personal attention, in the most professional manner, and without unreasonable delays. As a solo practicing attorney, I will handle every important stage of your case, from your initial interview to the conclusion of your case, either by settlement or trial. I am reachable to my client not only by phone but also cell phone and email.
Litigation Percentage
- 100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
Bar Admissions
- New York, 1980
Education
- St. John’s University School of Law
- Syracuse University, School of Management
Podiatric Malpractice FAQs
Is there a fee for initial consultation?
If there is no settlement or recovery will I owe any money?
What is the attorney's fee in malpractice cases?
What is the time limit for bringing a medical malpractice case into court?
Does my attorney have to get all of my medical records for my malpractice case?
Do I have the right to get my own medical records?
When you ask for your hospital records (or any record for that matter) you need to make sure you ask for, and receive, the entire record. Many times hospitals, physicians and podiatrists do not provide the entire record but instead give you only an “abstract” which is usually worthless since it contains incomplete information. Almost without exception, the complete medical record is needed for your malpractice case. But there is more on what is the “complete” record – read the question on digital medical records.
My new foot doctor says I have a malpractice case. Is this an advantage?
When you accept my case does that mean I will either win my case or get a settlement?
Should I file a complaint with the New York State licensing board against my podiatrist?
In addition to contacting an attorney to represent you in a malpractice case you may want to file a compliant against the podiatrist. You do not need an attorney to do this. You will be asked to write a summary of what happened to you. This information is usually used only for the complaint you file with the State and usually is not used in your malpractice case. However, we believe that in some rare cases your complaint sent to the State may be discovered by the opposing lawyers in your case. Therefore, we advise that you consult with your attorney prior to filing the complaint with the State because what you say in your complaint may hurt your malpractice case.
To file a complaint against a doctor, go to http://www.health.ny.gov/professionals/doctors/conduct/
To file a complaint against another licensed professional (dentist, podiatrist, nurse, etc.), go to http://www.op.nysed.gov/broch2.htm.
A very helpful page for consumers and their rights with respect to physicians is on the NYS website at
http://www.health.ny.gov/professionals/doctors/conduct/frequently_asked_questions.htm
What are digital medical records?
Podiatrists’ offices are going digital as well. The podiatrist’s notes will be made on a computer and many forms filled out by hand will be scanned into the computer too. But frequently these offices also maintain a paper file on you which they have not scanned into their computer and usually these offices to not give this to the patient When we request a medical record from a podiatrist, we make sure the paper records are provided as well.
My medical insurance company sent me a form to fill out which asks about pending lawsuits - what do I do?
What kinds of things should I save for my case?
Everything!
- appointment cards
- hospital discharge forms
- insurance papers
- your calendar or whichever way you kept track of your appointments.
- photographs.
- emails
- shoes, inserts, orthotics
Using Facebook and other social media - will it impact on my case?
If you write about social and athletic activities on social media, you must bring this to your attorney’s attention.