Podiatric surgery can correct a variety of problems and conditions that can be very painful and debilitating. However, when a podiatric surgeon makes an error or is negligent, a surgical procedure could result in lifelong pain and impairments. Some of the things that go wrong during podiatric surgery are beyond the surgeon’s control. A New York podiatry malpractice attorney helps individuals investigate podiatric surgical mistakes and errors to determine if they have a medical malpractice claim.
Podiatric Surgery Mistakes, Errors, and Negligence
Negligence and Malpractice Before the Surgical Procedure
When a podiatrist or surgeon breaches the duty of care by failing to provide the required standard of care, he or she may have committed podiatry malpractice. In many cases, surgical errors or mistakes are the results of negligence, carelessness, or incompetence. Some surgical errors occur before the physician performs the surgical procedure.
For instance, improperly diagnosing a condition, failing to obtain informed consent, failure to refer to a specialist, and failing to thoroughly review a patient’s medical history are all medical errors that can result in complications during podiatric surgery. A surgeon must perform due diligence during the initial examination and the diagnosis phase to ensure that the surgery is necessary. The surgeon also must obtain a patient’s informed consent before performing any surgical procedure. The patient has a right to know the potential risks and benefits associated with the surgery as well as any relevant alternative forms of treatment.
Negligence and Malpractice During and After Podiatric Surgery
A podiatric surgeon or another medical professional who is negligent or makes an error during surgery can cause the patient to suffer a severe injury or impairment. Some of the common problems in podiatric surgery include:
- Performing the wrong surgical procedure
- Failing to sterilize equipment adequately
- Performing surgery on the incorrect foot or surgical site
- Medication errors
- Errors involving anesthesia
- Leaving surgical supplies or hardware in the surgical site
- Surgical errors that cause damage to the tendons or nerves
- Inadequate post-operative care
- Failing to recognize signs and symptoms of infection or other problems
- Using improper surgical procedures or techniques
The results of podiatric surgery errors and problems can be catastrophic for the patient. In many cases, the consequences of podiatric malpractice are life-altering.
Potential Outcomes Caused by Podiatric Surgical Mistakes and Errors
Some of the potential outcomes a patient may experience when a surgeon makes a mistake or error during podiatric surgery include:
- Paralysis from damage caused to the nerves, tendons, or muscles
- Infections
- Need for physical therapy, occupational therapy, or vocational therapy
- Chronic pain
- Amputation
- Loss of flexibility, balance, and strength
- Need for additional surgical procedures
- Decreased mobility
A patient injured because of podiatric malpractice often suffers emotional and financial damages in addition to the physical injuries and pain. A podiatry malpractice claim can include compensation for all damages and losses related to the injury, recovery, and permanent impairment.
Contact a New York Podiatry Malpractice Attorney for Help
If you believe that your injury was the result of podiatry malpractice, contact a New York podiatry malpractice attorney. A lawyer can help you discover the truth about whether your surgeon or another medical provider committed malpractice. Your lawyer investigates the incident to uncover evidence that can prove that you were the victim of medical negligence and podiatry malpractice.