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Bunion correction surgery is a routine procedure in New York, but that does not mean these surgeries are always harmless. Podiatric malpractice errors during bunion correction surgery can cause painful, long-lasting injuries, including a condition called Hallux Varus.
What Is Hallux Varus?
Hallux varus is a foot injury that causes the big toe to pull away from the second toe and toward the other foot leaving a large space between the big toe and second toe. Therefore, the toe points away from the second toe instead of lining up straight, which can affect balance, walking, and shoe fit. Over time, misalignment of the big toe can also lead to deterioration of the joint, pain, stiffness, and pressure on the inside of the foot.
Common signs or symptoms of hallux varus include:
- The big toe angles away from the second toe instead of pointing straight ahead.
- Pain along the inside of the foot or at the base of the big toe.
- Stiffness that limits the toe’s range of motion.
- Trouble wearing regular shoes due to pressure or rubbing.
- Changes in walking patterns due to discomfort or instability.
How Bunion Correction Surgery Can Cause Hallux Varus
Bunion correction surgery can cause hallux varus when the procedure shifts the big toe too far inward. During surgery, your podiatrist adjusts the positions of the bones in your foot and nearby soft tissues to correct the bunion. If those changes go too far, the toe can lose its normal alignment and drift in the opposite direction.
Bunion correction procedures can also affect the tendons and ligaments that control the big toe’s movement. When a surgeon releases or tightens these structures without proper balance, the toe can pull inward over time. As your foot heals, these surgical mistakes can lead to lasting misalignment, pain, and limits on how your toe moves.
Proving Podiatric Malpractice Caused Your Hallux Varus Injury
Podiatric malpractice claims, including cases involving hallux varus injuries, require a higher standard of proof than most personal injury cases. You must show that your podiatrist departed from accepted podiatric care standards during your bunion correction surgery, and you also must demonstrate how the error contributed to your toe deformity and related harm.
These cases focus on whether the standard of care was met. If not, then one of the elements of proof has been satisfied. In a car crash or slip-and-fall case, it’s only necessary to show that someone acted unreasonably. By contrast, in a podiatric malpractice claim, you must rely on medical records, surgical notes, and testimony from qualified podiatric professionals to illustrate how your surgeon or another provider deviated from the standard of care. The evidence must connect your doctor’s deviation from the standard of care to your condition.
How The Law Firm of Lawrence M. Karam, PC, Can Help with Your Case
At The Law Firm of Lawrence M. Karam, PC, our deep experience with podiatric malpractice cases means we know what evidence you need to build a robust case. While you rest and heal, we can gather your medical records, expert testimony, and other proof to show how your podiatrist or another party made a mistake. We also handle all communication in these cases, including settlement negotiations with the insurance companies, to protect you from saying or doing anything that might jeopardize your claim. Finally, we prepare your case for trial and, if necessary, present arguments and evidence to the judge or jury.
Compensation for Hallux Varus from a Botched Bunion Surgery
Don’t underestimate the physical and financial impact of a hallux varus injury. Our lawyers can make sure your claim accounts for all the harm you’ve suffered. With our help, your compensation could include money for:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost income and reduced future earnings
- Pain and suffering
Contact a Podiatric Malpractice Attorney Now
New York law says you must file a medical malpractice claim within two and a half years of an injury, but acting sooner gives you a stronger chance of winning your case. Call The Law Firm of Lawrence M. Karam, PC, now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.