Parner
If you are suffering or have suffered from osteomyelitis that your podiatrist failed to diagnose or treat properly, you may very well be a victim of podiatric malpractice. Credentialed podiatrists have been well-trained in the diagnosis, causes, symptoms, and treatments of this serious ailment. Unless there was something unique about the circumstances of your particular case that reasonably made the condition unrecognizable, you may be able to sue and receive substantial damages for the harm that has come to you.
Why not consult with Lawrence M. Karam, PC, the highly capable podiatry malpractice attorney at Dental & Podiatry Malpractice Lawyers of New York? Mr. Karam has been successfully serving clients of podiatric malpractice for nearly 25 years and will provide you with the skilled legal representation you need.
What is osteomyelitis?
Osteomyelitis is a serious bacterial or fungal infection of the bone. The condition may occur in the long bones of the arms or legs, or in the spinal column or hips, but often occurs in the feet.
How should osteomyelitis be treated?
While it can be completely cured with prompt, appropriate treatment — typically intravenous antibiotics and possible surgery — when osteomyelitis is misdiagnosed by a podiatrist or other doctor, there may be catastrophic consequences, such as amputation or death. This is why Attorney Karam is so committed to holding negligent podiatrists accountable in a court of law.
How is osteomyelitis diagnosed?
A trained podiatrist should be able to recognize the signs of osteomyelitis in his or her patient, as well as to realize, even before treatment, that a particular patient is at high risk by closely examining the patient’s medical history. Once the condition exists, the podiatrist should suspect osteomyelitis by simple observation and be able to confirm the disorder by X-rays, a bone biopsy, and blood work.
What are the symptoms of osteomyelitis?
Patients with osteomyelitis present with pain in the area of the infection, fever, chills, and swelling, redness, and warmth at the site. If the patient is suffering from long-term, chronic osteomyelitis, she or he may have pronounced bone deformities visible on X-ray or with the naked eye.
Which patients are most at risk for osteomyelitis?
The germs that infect patients with osteomyelitis are not exotic and include Staphylococcus aureus (commonly known as “staph”), a bacteria that is nearly ubiquitous on the skin and in the noses of healthy humans. Normally, staph does not trigger osteomyelitis unless a patient is vulnerable due to one of the following:
- Recent trauma, such as bone fracture, puncture wound, or severe infection
- Recent podiatric or orthopedic surgery (especially a procedure including bone fixation)
- Recent major skin infection (especially cellulitis or necrotizing fasciitis)
- Recent skin ulcerations or open wounds
- Peripheral vascular disease
- History of diabetes
- Compromised immune system
What Dental & Podiatry Malpractice Will Do to Fight for Your Rights
Lawrence Karam is ready to assist you in filing a lawsuit against the podiatrist who failed to fulfill the duty of care she or he owed you. He will examine all medical data closely, including all paperwork pertaining to your medical history, and check with medical experts who are prepared to testify on your behalf. Most importantly, he will take care of all negotiations with the podiatrist who mistreated you and the insurance company handling your podiatrist’s medical malpractice policy
Contact Our Office to Receive the Personalized Service You Deserve
You may or may not still be suffering as a result of your encounter with osteomyelitis. Either way, Lawrence M. Karam, PC is ready to fight vigorously for the damages you are entitled to receive to compensate you for medical and rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, loss of income, and, if applicable, permanent disfigurement and disability. The sooner you call, the sooner you will have the peace of mind that comes from having a truly skilled legal advocate.