Why Choose Us?
Podiatric nerve damage cases demand careful medical analysis and strong courtroom preparation. Lawrence M. Karam, P.C. has spent decades representing victims of podiatry malpractice across New York and has achieved positive outcomes both in and out of court.
- Decades of experience handling podiatric malpractice claims in New York
- Proven record of successful verdicts and settlements
- Thorough review of medical records and diagnostic evidence
- Direct attorney involvement at every stage
- No legal fees unless compensation is recovered
Nerve damage in the foot can permanently affect mobility, balance, and quality of life. When a podiatrist causes nerve injury during surgery or misdiagnoses the cause of neuropathy, patients may have grounds for a malpractice lawsuit. Contact Larry today to discuss your legal options. He will charge you no attorney’s fees until he wins compensation for you.
How Does Podiatric Malpractice Cause Nerve Damage?
Podiatric malpractice causes nerve damage when a podiatrist fails to follow accepted standards of care during surgery, diagnosis, or treatment. This may include severing a nerve during a procedure or misdiagnosing the cause of peripheral neuropathy.
Two common scenarios include:
- Surgical errors that damage sensory or motor nerves
- Failure to properly diagnose or investigate neuropathy symptoms
Both can result in long-term complications, chronic pain, or permanent disability.
Nerve Damage Caused by Podiatric Surgical Mistakes
During foot surgery, extreme caution must be used to avoid cutting, nicking, or inflaming nearby nerves. Even minor contact with a nerve can cause significant inflammation and lasting damage.
Symptoms of Nerve Damage in the Foot
- Numbness or loss of sensation
- Sharp, stabbing, burning, or freezing pain
- Muscle weakness
- Color changes in the skin
- Changes in perspiration patterns
- Loss of balance or coordination
If a sensory nerve is damaged, you may not feel developing sores, blisters, or infections. If a motor nerve is injured, standing or walking may become painful or difficult.
Some nerve injuries improve over time. Others require surgical repair, and some are permanent. Even when recovery is possible, nerve regeneration can take months or longer.
What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition caused by damage to nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, often affecting the hands and feet. It can cause weakness, numbness, tingling, and severe pain.
Common neuropathy symptoms include:
- Loss of sensation
- Prickling or tingling
- Sharp, stabbing, freezing, burning, or throbbing pain
- Numbness or a pins and needles sensation
- Poor coordination
- Muscle weakness
- Extreme sensitivity to touch (e.g. pain from the weight of a sheet on the toes)
- Phantom sensations (e.g. as if you have socks on when your feet are bare)
- Loss of balance and/or coordination
These symptoms are disturbing and intrusive, most often leading the patient experiencing them to their podiatrist.
When a Podiatrist Misdiagnoses Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy results from damage to the nerves located outside of the brain and spinal cord that typically cause weakness, numbness, pain, and other symptoms in the hands and feet. There are a great many possible causes of the disorder, but if your podiatrist carelessly assumes that your neuropathy is simply the result of an accident or repetitive stress without further exploration, and you become ill as a result, you may be a victim of podiatric malpractice.
Responsible Podiatrists Have to Consider Alternative Causes of Neuropathy
Failure of your podiatrist to consider other potential causes of your neuropathy can be disastrous since such a mistake can allow one of the following conditions to worsen:
- Autoimmune diseases (e.g. diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis,)
- Infections such as Lyme disease, shingles, Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis C, HIV
- Kidney, liver, thyroid, or connective tissue disease
- Certain types of cancer that can metastasize
- Vascular disorders that deprive nerve cells of oxygen
- Inherited disorders (most commonly, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease)
- Morton’s neuroma which may require surgery
At worst, this kind of error can lead to infection, more severe illness, metastasis, amputation, or even death.
When It Comes to Your Nerve Damage Case, Larry Karam Will Do the Heavy Lifting
Because peripheral neuropathy can be caused by a number of conditions that can worsen without proper treatment, by delaying proper diagnosis and failing to refer you to the right specialist, your podiatrist may have breached their duty of care to you and therefore be liable for damages. In order to prove that your claim of malpractice is well-founded, Larry will:
- Examine medical records
- Locate and interview any witnesses
- Gather expert medical testimony to support your case
- Draft all necessary court documents
- Handle all communications with the opposing attorney and insurance company
Most importantly, Larry will develop a well-crafted strategy designed for productive negotiations and, if necessary, aggressive litigation.
Nerve Damage Larry Karam Will Fight to Recover
Once you become our client, Larry will provide you with moral as well as legal support. You can rely on him to fight vigorously to bring you the damages you need to restart your life, including compensation for:
- Medical and rehabilitation costs
- Lost income, present and future
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If you have been through the trauma of losing a loved one to wrongful death due to podiatric malpractice, Larry will stand by you, working tirelessly to help you recover damages for final medical costs, funeral expenses, and, if applicable, the loss of companionship and financial support.
Contact Our Experienced Nerve Damage Podiatry Malpractice Attorney Today
At The Law Firm of Lawrence M. Karam, P.C. we know that emotional distress accompanies the physical pain of being a victim of podiatric malpractice. It is terrible to realize that the podiatrist you trusted with your health has made a mistake that may have lifelong negative consequences for you, your work, and your family. Contact us now so we can begin fighting to bring you the justice you deserve.
FAQs
What is the average medical malpractice settlement in NY?
There is no fixed average medical malpractice settlement in New York because every case depends on the severity of injury, long-term medical needs, lost income, and pain and suffering. Minor injuries may resolve for lower amounts, while cases involving permanent disability, birth injuries, or wrongful death can result in significantly higher settlements or verdicts. A detailed case evaluation is necessary to estimate potential value.
What is the hardest element to prove in a medical malpractice case?
Causation is often the hardest element to prove in a medical malpractice case. It is not enough to show that a provider made a mistake. You must demonstrate that the mistake directly caused your injury and that the harm would not have occurred otherwise. Establishing this link typically requires detailed medical review and expert testimony.