My Bunion Surgery Was a Disaster. Can I file a malpractice claim?

Bunions are extremely common, estimated to occur in nearly a third of the population. Many of those affected choose to have a surgical repair of the problem due to ongoing pain, mobility issues, difficulty getting shoes that fit properly, and dissatisfaction with the appearance of their feet. Unfortunately, in spite of the fact that bunion surgery is not rare and podiatric techniques have been perfected over the years, some people are miserable with the results of their bunionectomies. In more than a few cases, podiatry malpractice is to blame.

However, podiatry malpractice is difficult to prove. That’s why you need the services of a skilled medical malpractice attorney who specializes in podiatric negligence. If you are suffering deformity, ongoing pain, unresolved bunion issues, or some other complication of bunion surgery and feel that your podiatrist has been negligent, contact Lawrence M. Karam, P.C. to find out whether you have a viable case. If so, Attorney Karam will fight for your right to fair compensation.

Why did I get a bunion in the first place?

A bunion is a bony “bump” that forms at the base of the big toe, usually on the side and often on top. Part of the cause of this is the angling of the big toe toward the smaller toes, forcing the bunion to protrude more and, typically, to become red and sore. Causes of bunions include hereditary tendency, congenital deformity, foot stress or injury, ill-fitting footwear and inflammatory types of arthritis.

Ways Bunion Surgery Goes Wrong

Although the majority of bunionectomies are successful, if you are one of the unfortunate victims of a surgery gone wrong, the positive statistics are no comfort. If you have experienced any of the following after your bunion surgery, chances are high that your podiatrist was negligent:

  • Under or over correction of the bunion
  • Excessive shortening of the metatarsal
  • Nonunion (failure to heal) or malunion (healing in the wrong position)
  • Ongoing swelling and pain
  • Infection
  • Deep vein thrombosis

Hallux varus is an example of overcorrection in which the big toe ends up angling away from the smaller toes instead of toward them as it did prior to the bunion surgery. The enlarged spacing between the big toe and the second toe makes walking and fitting into shoes extremely difficult. When a hallux varus happens it is extremely important that your podiatrist recognizes it and makes some attempt to correct it with either taping, which works but not very often, or another surgery to “undo” the overcorrection. Often we the podiatrist not admitting to the hallux varus and telling the patient it is either normal or it will not be a problem in the future. If your podiatrist is not recognizing this condition you should get another opinion as soon as you can.

When Your Podiatrist Is at Fault for Your Failed Bunion Surgery

While there are a number of reasons something can go wrong in any surgical procedure, Lawrence Karam will investigate the particular circumstances of your case to assess whether your podiatrist failed to fulfill his/her duty of care by:

Neglecting to inform you of details of the procedure and its potential difficulties so that you were unable to give your “informed consent”
Making poor decisions or serious mistakes during bunion surgery through inattention, impairment or ineptitude.

Once Lawrence Karam determines that your podiatrist was at fault, he will use his well-honed tactical skills to fight for maximum compensation for the time and money you have wasted and for the pain and suffering you have been through and may yet have to endure. You’re entitled to justice. Contact Mr. Karam now for a free consultation.

About the Author
Of all the different areas in medical malpractice, it is podiatry malpractice that has had a particular interest to me. With 42 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.