At The Law Firm of Lawrence M. Karam, P.C., we understand the complexities involved in podiatry malpractice cases. If you are a patient seeking justice for negligence experienced at the hands of a podiatrist, it is essential to be well-prepared. This guide provides a detailed checklist to help you understand and document essential aspects of your case, ensuring that Larry Karam will provide you with optimal legal representation.
How Is Podiatry Malpractice Defined?
Podiatry malpractice occurs when a podiatrist fails to provide the standard of care a reasonably competent podiatrist would under similar circumstances and that failure leads to patient harm.
The term “podiatry malpractice” may include a broad range of misconduct.
Types of Podiatry Malpractice
If your podiatrist has engaged in any of the following, you may well be a victim of podiatry malpractice:
- Failure to obtain the patient’s medical history (e.g. congenital abnormalities, illnesses, surgeries, injuries, allergies, medications) or to pay attention to the information it provides
- Misdiagnosis, failure to diagnose or delayed diagnosis leading to a worsening of the condition or a worse prognosis
- Lack of informed consent
- Incorrect treatment
- Surgical error
- Improper dosage or administration of medication
- Errors in anesthesia resulting in overdose or breakthrough pain
- Failure to inform the patient about risks associated with treatment or medication
- Failure to monitor or offer follow-up care after a procedure.
How Is Podiatry Malpractice Proven?
To prove podiatry malpractice, four key elements must be established:
- Duty of Care: evidence that a doctor-patient relationship existed.
- Breach of Standard Care: demonstration that the care provided fell below the accepted standard.
- Causation: linking the breach of duty to the injury sustained.
- Damages: documentation of the physical, and, at times, financial harm caused
Documentation Is Key to a Podiatry Malpractice Case
It is critical to begin a malpractice claim with all your ducks in a row. Larry Karam will be examining all pertinent evidence, such as:
- Medical records: a comprehensive record of all medical treatments received, including dates, names of diagnosing and treating doctors, tests administered, and nature of all treatments.
- Treatment outcomes: note of any adverse effects or complications that arose after a treatment, complete with names, dates, and diagnoses.
- Second opinions: from another respected podiatrist or other medical professional concerning the treatment you received.
Preparing for Your Consultation With Your Podiatry Malpractice Attorney
In order for your meeting with Larry Karam to be as productive as possible:
Gather All Relevant Documentation of Negligence
Organize all medical records and pertinent notations, both from before and after your podiatrist’s failed treatment, and correspondence you have had with your podiatrist or other doctors about this subject in letters, emails or texts. If you do not have your medical records, Larry Karam will obtain them as part of his investigation.
Collect Financial Documents and Insurance Information
Including bills related to your treatment, proof of lost wages, and records of additional expenses directly stemming from the malpractice, for example, bills for replacement services or accommodations to make your home accessible.
Insurance Information: Details of your health insurance coverage, showing what portion of your expenses were out-of-pocket.
Prepare a Timeline
Create a clear timeline of your treatment, symptoms, pain levels, remedies, and any significant events related to your case. Bring a diary if you have kept one or a calendar that has treatments and symptoms noted. If you haven’t exact records, try to reconstruct the timeline as closely as possible.
Make a List of Questions
Keep an ongoing list of questions as they come to you concerning the legal process, what to expect during negotiations or at trial, what your potential compensation might be, etc.
Bring Photographic Evidence
If possible, bring photographs that show physical symptoms or outcomes of the treatment (e.g. swelling, redness, misalignment of bones).
What Larry Karam Will Do To Help
Upon engaging The Law Firm of Lawrence M. Karam, you can expect thorough and compassionate legal assistance. Services he will provide include:
- Free comprehensive case evaluation
- Any necessary further evidence collection (search for documents, witness interviews)
- Consultation with medical or other experts who will testify on your behalf
- Development of an effective legal strategy tailored to your particular case
- Skillful negotiation with opposing attorneys and insurance companies with an eye to an out-of-court settlement
- Vigorous litigation if a trial becomes necessary
- Guidance and moral support, as well as excellent legal representation throughout the process.
Get Ready to Speak to Our Prominent Podiatry Malpractice Attorney Today
Medical malpractice cases are notoriously difficult to pursue, but with a lawyer like Larry Karam, you are in extremely capable hands. Contact our office today to find out whether you have a viable claim. With decades of successful experience behind him, Larry is definitely the person to ask. He is a consummate professional, ready to do battle to bring you the damages you deserve for medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. Don’t remain a victim of podiatry malpractice. Be proactive. Contact us now.