foot surgery

Why You Should Never Rush into Foot Surgery

At Dental & Podiatry Malpractice Lawyers of New York, we have seen far too much fallout from failed foot surgery performed by podiatrists. Our lead attorney in this field, Lawrence M. Karam, PC, has many years of successful experience litigating cases of podiatry malpractice and is well-known for being not only a competent professional but a caring individual. Because we depend on our feet for mobility, patients suffering from foot pain may be less patient than patients with other ailments and may, therefore be more eager to have an operation.

Factors that May Make Podiatric Surgery Riskier than Some Other Procedures

While podiatrists are well-trained and usually highly knowledgeable about feet and ankles, foot surgery is complicated by a number of factors, any of which may contribute to bad surgical outcomes. These factors include:

  • Foot surgery by podiatrists is frequently performed in relatively small offices where there is less access to other specialists if problems arise during surgery 
  • Each foot has 26 bones, 33 joints, and a network of more than 100 tendons, not to mention numerous blood vessels and nerves — there is, therefore, much room for error
  • Podiatrists, whose training, though it may be excellent, targets primarily one section of the body, may, on occasion, undertake surgery that pushes the envelope of their area of expertise
  • Patients may feel that podiatric surgery is less serious than it actually is because it is not being performed in a hospital, and therefore they may fail to get second opinions
  • Bunion correction surgery, which makes you worse than before surgery

If you believe that you have been the victim of podiatry malpractice, consult with our practice for a free consultation. Lawrence Karam will assess whether you have a viable case that can be successfully litigated. We will not charge you any attorneys’ fees until we win you compensation.

How Negligence on the Part of an Operating Podiatrist Can Cause Permanent Harm

There are, unfortunately, a great many ways that a podiatrist can leave you in worse shape than you were before your operation, by:

  • Misdiagnosing your condition and performing unnecessary surgery
  • Operating on the wrong foot or toe (it does happen)
  • Not paying full attention to any pre-existing condition or allergy you have reported 
  • Not diagnosing an underlying condition that was apparent (such as a tumor or diabetes)
  • Administering the wrong amount or type of anesthesia
  • Failing to refer you to another specialist if appropriate
  • Nicking nerve or muscle tissue during surgery

How to Protect Yourself from the Physical, Emotional, and Financial Pain of Malpractice

Make certain before undergoing podiatric surgery that:

  • Your podiatrist has exhausted all conservative nonsurgical measures of treatment before recommending an operation
  • You have checked your podiatrist’s credentials and patients’ testimonials 
  • You have gotten a second opinion from a well-respected professional 
  • Your podiatrist has taken a full medical history and remembers salient points 
  • All necessary diagnostic tests have been administered (blood work as well as imaging scans)
  • Your doctor has explained precisely what will be done during surgery and has discussed all possible risks of the operation so that you can truly give “informed consent”
  • Your podiatrist is prepared to give you requisite postsurgical and ongoing follow-up care

If you weigh your options with a clear head and consider all of the above information, hopefully, you will not suffer the negative consequences of an operation gone wrong due to podiatry malpractice.

If Your Podiatrist Was Negligent, Contact Dental & Podiatry Malpractice Today

We are here to help and know precisely how to proceed if you have had a failed foot surgery that resulted from your podiatrist’s irresponsible behavior. As soon as you get in touch with us, we will begin fighting aggressively to win you the damages you deserve.

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.