When you undergo podiatric surgery, you expect the procedure to alleviate your pain and improve your mobility. But when hardware fails, it can cause debilitating pain, loss of function, and the need for corrective surgeries. The resulting medical bills and time away from work can worsen an already difficult situation. If your podiatric hardware has failed after surgery, you may have a legal claim to cover your losses.
At The Law Firm of Lawrence M. Karam, P.C., we help victims of failed podiatric surgery hardware get the justice and compensation they need to heal. With over 40 years of medical malpractice experience and a deep understanding of podiatry cases, attorney Lawrence Karam provides the personalized representation you need. If you’re suffering from failed podiatric hardware, please get in touch with us today to discuss your legal options.
What is Hardware Failure After Podiatric Surgery?
Podiatric surgery involves procedures on the foot and ankle, often requiring hardware or implants (screws, plates, staples, rods, pins, wires, or anchors) to stabilize bones after fractures, joint fusions, or reconstructive surgery. Surgeons also use hardware to support weakened tendons and ligaments, reattach soft tissue to bone, or replace lost bone. When surgical hardware fails, it can cause severe pain, infection, or even permanent mobility issues.
A failure occurs when the hardware doesn’t function as intended. It may break, loosen, shift, or cause an adverse reaction. While not every hardware failure is due to negligence, many cases are caused by:
- Surgical Errors – Surgeons must install hardware precisely, or the device can become unstable. Errors during surgery can lead to the hardware shifting, breaking, or failing to integrate with the bone properly.
- Improper Post-Surgical Care – Podiatry patients require follow-up care after surgery, including healthcare providers monitoring them for infection. The patient may suffer from preventable complications if a doctor doesn’t recognize warning signs of an infection, a bad reaction, or hardware displacement.
Injuries and Complications Caused by Podiatry Hardware Failure
When hardware fails after a podiatric surgery, the consequences to the patient can be severe. They may experience:
- Chronic pain
- Malunion
- Failed union or non-union
- Nerve damage
- Infections
- Loss of mobility
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Need for revision surgery
These complications can seriously impact a person’s ability to work, exercise, or perform daily tasks. Aside from physical pain and discomfort, failed hardware and the complications it causes can cause limited mobility and the prospect of additional surgeries.
Understanding Your Legal Rights to Compensation
If you’ve suffered due to failed podiatric hardware, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including costs for revision surgery, physical therapy, medications, and ongoing care.
- Lost wages to cover the time you’ve had to miss work or if your future earning capacity will be reduced.
- Pain and suffering, including physical pain, a lower quality of life, and mental anguish.
- Wrongful death damages, when applicable, for medical costs, funeral expenses, and loss of financial or emotional support for surviving family members.
- Punitive damages, which a jury may award in cases of extreme negligence as punishment to the responsible party.
Who is Responsible for Paying Compensation?
If your podiatric surgery hardware has failed, you may have a legal claim against the parties responsible, including:
- Surgeons – Improperly placed hardware, the wrong device choice, or inadequate post-operative care can make the surgeon at fault.
- Hospitals or Surgical Facilities – If improper sterilization, faulty equipment, or inadequate training contributed to your injury, the facility may share responsibility.
A knowledgeable attorney can determine who is responsible for the hardware failure based on its cause. They can also help you prove fault and seek compensation for your injuries and the challenges you’ve faced.
How a New York City Podiatric Malpractice Attorney Can Help
Navigating a medical malpractice case involving failed podiatric hardware is complex. Proving negligence requires an in-depth understanding of medical and legal principles and access to experts who can testify on your behalf. A skilled attorney can:
- Investigate your case, gather medical evidence, and consult with expert witnesses to make a strong argument to prove liability.
- Communicate with opposing attorneys and insurance companies and handle all paperwork and legal deadlines.
- Represent your best interests in settlement negotiations or take your case to trial if negotiating a fair resolution is not possible.
A skilled podiatric malpractice attorney can take the stress of a legal claim off your shoulders so you can focus on healing.
Why Choose The Law Firm of Lawrence M. Karam, P.C.?
Founding attorney Lawrence Karam began his legal career in 1980 and has spent decades fighting for victims of medical malpractice. After working at several larger personal injury firms, he opened his own practice in 1997 to provide dedicated, one-on-one representation to the people who needed it most. He has stayed true to that commitment ever since.
Unlike larger firms that shuffle clients between attorneys, Mr. Karam personally handles every critical stage of your case, from your first consultation to trial. Plus, his dedicated focus on podiatric malpractice sets him apart.
Mr. Karam has studied podiatric procedures firsthand, observed surgeries, lectured to podiatry residents and attendings, and attended medical lectures. He also stays up to date with the latest advancements in the field. This hands-on approach and extensive legal knowledge give him the confidence to take on even the most complex cases.
Contact an Experienced Podiatric Malpractice Attorney Today
You have 30 months to file a podiatric malpractice claim in New York (there are exceptions), so don’t wait to get legal help. The Law Firm of Lawrence M. Karam, P.C. offers free consultations, and you pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact us now to protect your rights, hold the negligent party responsible for injuring you, and pursue the compensation you deserve.