Podiatrists, like all healthcare providers, have a duty to provide an accepted standard of care for their patients. Failing to recognize symptoms when that failure results in severe consequences can be considered podiatric malpractice. If your New York podiatrist failed to diagnose a medical illness or condition in spite of a red flag and you suffered harm as a result, contact The Law Firm of Lawrence M. Karam, P.C. to find out whether you have a viable claim for damages.
Podiatrists often serve at the frontline of detection for various underlying medical conditions, some of which may not be directly related to their primary field of expertise. Nonetheless, the standard for establishing malpractice is high. Your lawyer must demonstrate that another practitioner in the same field, with the same information available, would have correctly diagnosed your condition.
That’s why you need a highly skilled attorney like Larry Karam fighting for you to have the best chance of recovering the damages you deserve. Larry has decades of experience in podiatric malpractice cases behind him. Armed with impressive credentials and a history of successful outcomes, he is well-prepared to fight vigorously for your right to just compensation.
Diseases Podiatrists Should Be on the Lookout For
Podiatrists are in a unique position to observe symptoms and conditions that, while presenting in the feet, may be indicative of more systemic health issues. Some of these include:
Diabetes: Foot ulcers and poor circulation can be early signs of diabetes.
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD): Characterized by reduced blood flow to the limbs, PAD can manifest as cold feet or color changes in the skin.
Localized or Systemic Infections: Signs of infection in the feet may point to more severe conditions, including bone infections or systemic sepsis.
Cancer: Melanoma can appear as unusual moles or spots on the skin of the feet. Other cancers may appear as tumors on the feet, toes, or ankles.
Arthritis: Swelling, stiffness, or joint pain in the feet may indicate various forms of arthritis.
Gout: Often manifesting in the big toe, gout is a type of arthritis that requires medical attention.
Thyroid Issues: Cold feet or unexplained weight change can be symptoms of thyroid disorders.
Signs of Trouble: Symptoms Podiatrists Should Not Ignore
A podiatrist’s ability to recognize the following symptoms can be crucial in diagnosing underlying health conditions early on:
- Persistent swelling that does not reduce with time or elevation can be a sign of deeper issues.
- Changes in skin color of the feet can indicate problems; pale or bluish skin may show poor circulation while reddish skin may indicate infection or inflammation.
- Numbness or tingling may suggest neuropathy, often an indicator of diabetes
- Persistent pain that doesn’t subside with rest may indicate a fracture or systemic condition.
- Open sores or ulcers that fail to heal can be signs of diabetes, other circulatory problems, or other immune disorders.
- Temperature differences between feet can indicate blood flow issues.
- Hair loss on toes can be a symptom of poor blood circulation.
- Thickened or discolored nails, while often a sign of fungal infections, can also indicate psoriasis, cirrhosis or even kidney failure.
- Structural changes to the foot or toes can indicate arthritis or other systemic conditions.
- Loss of mobility or difficulty moving the feet or toes can be a symptom of neurological conditions, severe infections, or fractures.
When a Patient’s Medical History, Physical Exam, or Test Results Should Give a Podiatrist Pause
A patient’s medical history, examination findings, or specific test results can provide essential clues that something more serious may be amiss. Podiatrists, like other healthcare providers, should pay attention to:
- A history or smoking or diabetes
- Previous cancer diagnoses
- Abnormal blood counts
- Previous injuries or surgeries
- Abnormal gait
- Toe deformities
- Skin lesions
- Abnormal sensations in the feet
- X-rays showing abnormalities of the feet or toes
- Patient or family history autoimmune disorders (e.g. diabetes) or neurological disease
How Lawrence Karam Will Prove Podiatric Malpractice
Larry Karam’s approach to proving podiatric malpractice involves a comprehensive strategy that includes:
Medical Record Review — carefully examining the patient’s medical records to identify missed symptoms or misinterpretations.
Expert Testimony — Engaging medical experts to establish the standard of care expected under similar circumstances and demonstrating how the defendant deviated from that standard.
Patient History Analysis — Demonstrating how a thorough review of the patient’s medical history could have led to an accurate diagnosis.
Demonstration of Harm and Loss — Linking the failure to diagnose to the harm suffered by the patient by documenting worsening of the underlying condition, unnecessary treatments, additional medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of income, and costs related to injury.
Adept Negotiation and Litigation Skills — Using an in-depth understanding of New York medical malpractice law to construct a compelling case to prove the podiatrist’s negligence.
Contact Our Experienced Podiatric Malpractice Attorney Today
If your podiatrist failed to diagnose an underlying medical condition, leading to your worsening health and financial losses, now is the time to contact Larry Karam. As his client, you will receive more than fine legal representation. Larry is an advocate dedicated to your cause,
fully committed to holding the negligent party responsible and working tirelessly to bring you maximum compensation for your losses. Contact our office now for a thorough evaluation of your case.