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Nerve damage is one of the more common complications some patients might experience after foot surgery. While this is a known risk of some types of surgeries, sometimes nerve damage is the result of an error on the part of the surgeon or another medical professional.
If you suffered nerve damage and believe it stems from a mistake that occurred during your foot surgery, you may be eligible for compensation for the resulting medical expenses and other financial and personal losses. But how do you know whether you have a case?
How Can Foot Surgery Cause Nerve Damage?
Foot surgery often involves working close to sensitive nerves that control movement and sensation in the feet and toes. When performed carefully, these procedures can go a long way toward relieving pain and improving mobility. However, if a surgeon or another medical professional makes an avoidable error during surgery, it can result in nerve injury that causes lasting pain, numbness, or even loss of function.
In many cases, injuries that cause nerve damage are preventable and may form the basis of a malpractice claim. Common surgical mistakes that can lead to nerve damage include:
- Using improper surgical techniques or instruments near major nerves in the foot or ankle
- Making an incision in the wrong location or at the wrong depth
- Failing to identify and protect key nerves before cutting or repositioning tissue
- Applying excessive pressure with retractors or other tools that compress a nerve
- Incorrectly positioning the patient during surgery, causing prolonged nerve compression
- Performing unnecessary or overly aggressive procedures on bone or soft tissue
- Failing to recognize and repair a nerve injury before closing the surgical site
- Neglecting to monitor or address postoperative complications that worsen nerve damage
What Are Some Symptoms of Nerve Damage Following Foot Surgery?
When a nerve sustains an injury during or after foot surgery, it can cause symptoms that range from mild discomfort to severe impairment. The precise effects depend on which nerve was damaged and the extent of the injury, but any of the following signs may indicate a problem:
- Persistent numbness or tingling that interferes with walking or balance
- Sharp, burning, or shooting pain caused by disrupted nerve signals
- Muscle weakness in the foot or toes that makes it hard to lift or push off while walking
- Heightened sensitivity where even light contact or clothing causes pain
- Loss of coordination or stability due to reduced sensory feedback from the foot
- Coldness or color changes in the skin from poor nerve control over blood flow
- Development of chronic pain syndromes that make daily movement difficult
Steps in Proving a Podiatry Malpractice Claim
To prove a podiatry malpractice claim for nerve damage, you must show that the podiatrist or another medical professional failed to meet the accepted standard of care and that this failure caused your injury. An experienced New York podiatric malpractice lawyer like Larry Karam can manage this process for you.
Larry will start by reviewing your medical records to understand the specific procedure and how complications arose. He will likely work with an outside medical expert, often another podiatrist or surgeon, who will evaluate whether the actions taken during surgery were consistent with accepted medical practice. He will also have to demonstrate that the nerve injury was not a known, unavoidable risk of the procedure but rather the result of a preventable mistake. This often requires them to link a specific error – such as cutting or compressing a nerve – to your symptoms.
Finally, your claim must include evidence of actual losses. These may include additional medical costs, lost income, or long-term pain and disability stemming from the nerve injury.
Contact a New York Podiatry Malpractice Attorney to Discuss Your Case
If you experienced a nerve injury during foot surgery, you may be dealing with painful symptoms that interfere with your work, your daily life, and your mobility. Larry Karam can help you pursue the compensation and accountability you deserve by preparing and filing a claim against the provider or other parties who harmed you. Contact him today to meet for free and learn more about your legal options.