All surgical procedures involve risks, and podiatric operations are no exceptions. Although most foot surgeries are performed with a high degree of competence and care, a certain percentage results in harm due to negligence on the part of the podiatrist. Some of the most dangerous podiatry errors involve anesthesia errors. If you or a loved one has suffered serious harm due to a podiatric anesthesia error in New York, you need the legal counsel of The Law Firm of Lawrence M. Karam, P.C.
What Our Talented Attorney Will Do for You
Larry Karam has been providing excellent representation to victims of podiatry malpractice for decades. Not only does he have a reputation for consummate legal skill both in and out of the courtroom, but he is also known as a compassionate person committed to defending his clients’ rights to maximum compensation. More than that, he has an impressive record of positive outcomes.
Understanding that you are likely overwhelmed by physical, emotional, and financial stress after your trauma, Larry will take over all communications with opposing attorneys and insurance adjusters, do a thorough investigation of the incident, examine all medical reports, check into your podiatrist’s background to uncover any history of similar negligence or misconduct, and consult with medical and technical experts who are prepared to testify on your behalf. Most of all, he will work tirelessly to negotiate a fair settlement or, if necessary, fight aggressively for you at trial.
Types of Anesthesia Used in Podiatric Surgery
There are three basic kinds of anesthesia that may be used for foot surgery. Which one your doctor chooses will depend on several factors — the kind of surgery you are having, your age, your anxiety level, and the specifics of your health condition.
- Local or Regional Anesthesia is administered by injection. While a local anesthetic is used to numb a small area, like a toe, regional anesthesia numbs a larger area, like the foot and ankle. During both local and regional anesthesia, the patient remains awake, able to respond to the doctor, follow directions, and provide necessary feedback.
- Conscious Sedation is administered intravenously. Although patients are not asleep, under this sedation, they are extremely relaxed and unlikely to remember anything of the experience. Since conscious sedation does not block pain, patients usually receive local or regional anesthesia at the same time.
- General Anesthesia puts patients into a deep sleep during which they experience no pain and after which they will not remember what happened. Of the three, this type of anesthesia is not administered routinely and it comes with greater risk of heart attack, stroke or lung infection (especially if the patient is obese or is a smoker).
Although it is possible for medical negligence to occur during anesthesia administration without lasting consequences, if you have suffered a serious complication after your surgery you have every right to be compensated. If this is true in your case, you need an accomplished, energetic podiatry malpractice attorney like Larry Karam at your side.
What kind of injuries can result from anesthesia errors?
Depending on what type of anesthesia has been used and what kind of mistake your podiatrist has made, you may have suffered:
- Nerve damage, resulting in restricted mobility, pain, numbness, tingling or peculiar sensations
- Lack of adequate oxygen supply (asphyxia)
- Loss of adequate blood supply causing necrosis (tissue death)
- Heart attack or stroke
- Brain damage (e.g. traumatic brain injury)
- Spinal cord injury, which may lead to paralysis
- Coma
- Death
How Do You Prove Anesthesia Malpractice?
Proving anesthesia malpractice in New York requires demonstrating two key things: a deviation from the accepted standard of care by the anesthesiologist, and that this deviation directly caused your harm. This often involves expert testimony, detailed analysis of medical records, and potentially witness accounts. Consulting a qualified medical malpractice attorney is crucial to navigate the complexities of such cases.
Damages Larry Karam Will Fight to Recover
Because each case is unique, Larry will create a strategy to recover damages for whichever of the following apply:
- Bodily injury
- Medical and rehabilitation expenses
- Long-term nursing care
- Loss of income, past and future
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of living
If you have lost a loved one to wrongful death, he will aggressively seek compensation for final medical costs, funeral/burial/cremation expenses, and loss of emotional and financial support.
Contact Our Experienced Podiatry Malpractice Attorney Today
Podiatrists, like the rest of us, make mistakes, but when these mistakes are due to professional negligence and reach the level of medical malpractice, the podiatrist must be held accountable. If you have been a victim of such misconduct, contact The Law Firm of Lawrence M. Karam, P.C. now for a free evaluation of your case. Once you become our client, you will be charged no attorney’s fee until we provide you with the compensation you need and deserve.