If you have had foot surgery that you now believe was unnecessary and are suffering harm as a result, you may well be a victim of podiatry malpractice. If so and you live in New York, now is the time to get in touch with The Law Firm of Lawrence M. Karam, P.C. Larry Karam is a highly respected podiatry malpractice attorney with an impressive history of successful outcomes, both in and out of the courtroom. He will provide you with the effective legal counsel you need and fight hard to bring you the compensation you deserve.
While most podiatrists go into the profession with a sincere desire to heal their patients, a certain number operate because they have misdiagnosed their patient’s condition or are simply seeking financial gain. Contact our office for a free consultation to find out whether you have a winnable case. Once you become our client you will be charged no attorneys’ fees until we recover for you.
Did your podiatrist try nonsurgical methods before recommending surgery?
Surgery should be a last resort when it comes to relieving pain or increasing mobility. You have a right to be suspicious if your podiatrist didn’t try one or several of the following noninvasive therapies before recommending a surgical procedure:
- Orthotic Devices (customized shoe inserts) can not only provide support and relief, but help to correct many foot abnormalities.
- Physical Therapy with customized exercises can help strengthen foot muscles, alleviate pain, and improve flexibility and range of motion.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can alleviate pain and reduce swelling.
- Braces, Casts or Splints can effectively immobilize the foot, aiding in the healing of fractures or other musculoskeletal injuries.
- Corticosteroids injections can provide relief from pain and inflammation.
Were you a good candidate for foot surgery?
Your podiatrist should have taken a full medical history and carefully weighed any of the following factors that might make podiatric surgery an impractical or even dangerous option:
- Pre-existing medical conditions: diabetes, poor circulation, breathing difficulties or immune system issues
- Age, since older patients generally heal more slowly and may be dealing with osteoarthritis, osteoporosis or other conditions that will interfere with rapid healing
- Inflated expectations of patients seeking cosmetic foot surgeries who may be dazzled by an unrealistic view of future beauty and ignoring the possibility of risks
How Some Podiatrists Persuade Patients That Foot Surgery is Necessary or Desirable
Unfortunately, not all podiatrists have your best interests at heart. Some doctors mislead their patients by:
- Over-stating results and understating risks, promising beauty through a surgery they describe as “simple” or “routine.”
- Exaggerating the benefits of cosmetic procedures like Cinderella foot surgery that will shorten the toes and narrow the foot in an attempt to make the patient feel more dainty and petite when such surgery may in fact leave the patient feeling clumsy, off balance, and in pain.
- Not discussing nonsurgical alternatives that may be helpful in relieving pain and improving quality of life at far less expense and with far less risk than an operation.
- Minimizing risks that may materialize and result in prolonged pain or even disability.
Risks of Foot Surgery
All surgeries come with inherent risks. For foot surgery, these may include:
- Postsurgical infections at the site which may, if not diagnosed and treated promptly, become systemic and lead to prolonged recovery or even ongoing disability.
- Nerve Damage that can lead to numbness, tingling or searing pain.
- Scarring, disfigurement or deformity that can be aesthetically displeasing, interfere with fitting comfortably into shoes, and/or result in mobility issues.
- Unrelieved or new pain.
- Failure to resolve the issue that made you consider foot surgery in the first place.
- Exacerbation of pre-existing conditions.
- Anesthesia mistakes that cause permanent harm.
- Slow or incomplete healing (e.g. non-union of bones)
Patients should be aware that The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) states unequivocally that it “does not recommend the practice of cosmetic foot and ankle surgery” because of the lack of medical evidence that it is safe or effective, and that “ the practice of
marketing surgical procedures for purely cosmetic reasons should be recognized and
discouraged.”
Grounds for a Podiatry Malpractice Lawsuit
In order to win a podiatry malpractice lawsuit, we must prove that your podiatrist had a duty of care to you as your doctor, that the doctor breached that duty, that the breach directly caused your injury, and that real damages (such as medical costs and loss of income) resulted.
Grounds for a malpractice suit include:
- Lack of informed consent
- Unnecessary surgery or multiple surgeries
- Failure to diagnose or treat a postsurgical infection
- Surgical error
- Choosing the wrong surgical procedure
- Improper administration of anesthesia
- Improper prescription or administration of medication
- Failure to monitor surgery or provide proper follow-up care
Damages Larry Karam Will Fight to Recover
For decades, Larry has fought aggressively for the rights of victims of podiatry malpractice. Depending on the specifics of your case, he will work tirelessly to recover damages for your:
- Medical and rehabilitation costs
- Lost income, present and future (if applicable)
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
- Alterations to make your home accessible
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
How Having a Skilled Podiatry Malpractice Attorney Can Help
If you are now suffering the consequences of unnecessary surgery, you probably feel vulnerable, angry, and overwhelmed. You need a powerful lawyer to fight for you while you take the time you need to get over the physical and emotional trauma. While you rest and recover, Larry Karam will:
- Examine all medical records pertaining to your case
- Identify and interview any witnesses
- Investigate your podiatrist’s history for any signs of similar malpractice
- Consult with medical experts who can testify on your behalf
- Handle all negotiations with opposing attorneys and insurance adjusters
- Litigate forcefully if it becomes necessary
Talk to Our Experienced Podiatry Malpractice Attorney Today
Though damage may already be done, you have viable options. Call Larry Karam now to feel the strength provided by knowledgeable professional support and to renew your faith in a secure future.