Because foot and ankle health is fundamental to mobility and maintaining an active lifestyle, podiatric negligence can result in overwhelming costs, and not only the kind that strain your budget. Foot pain and ankle pain, lack of sensation, restricted movement — all can take an enormous toll on your physical and emotional well-being, as well as on your finances. If you are suffering major losses due to a podiatrist’s mistake in New York, contact The Law Firm of Lawrence M. Karam, P.C.
Lead attorney Larry Karam has spent decades focused on podiatric malpractice and is well-known for his impressive history of successful outcomes in the field. He has made it his mission to fight for the rights of patients who are facing both economic and non-economic losses as a result of podiatric malpractice and will welcome the opportunity to assist you. He is well-prepared to take over the daunting challenges you face and will fight hard to bring you the compensation you need and deserve.
How Expensive Podiatric Mistakes May Lead to Claims of Malpractice
Podiatric malpractice can stem from a variety of errors, each capable of resulting in ongoing harm and significant cost. Below are several common podiatry mistakes that may give rise to malpractice claims. These errors may lead not only to pain and suffering, but to increased medical and therapeutic expenses as well as costs for replacement services, such as transportation.
Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis
Failing to correctly identify foot or ankle conditions or missing signs of another illness (e.g. cancer or diabetes) can lead to inappropriate or delayed treatments, increasing medical costs and expenses related to lengthy or permanent disability.
Surgical Errors
Mistakes during surgery, including operating on the wrong site, performing the wrong procedure, performing the procedure improperly, using improper surgical technique, or performing unnecessary surgery, can result in lasting harm, restricted mobility, and disabling complications.
Inadequate Postoperative Care
Neglecting proper follow-up care can lead to infections, delayed healing, systemic illness or even death.
Improper Treatment
Using incorrect treatment methods may exacerbate an existing condition or create new problems.
Medication Errors
Prescribing incorrect dosages or types of medication can lead to adverse reactions or ineffective treatment, raising the cost of medical treatment.
Failure to Obtain a Full Medical History or Informed Consent
Not informing patients of potential risks, benefits, and alternatives associated with treatments or procedures can make victims of podiatry patients who never knew the potential danger of the procedure they agreed to.
Neglecting to Refer
Failing to refer patients to specialists when the situation is beyond the scope of a podiatrist’s expertise can have disastrous consequences.
The Broad Range of Costs Associated With Podiatric Malpractice
The repercussions of podiatric malpractice extend beyond physical injuries, encompassing both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages are designed to cover out-of-pocket expenses, including:
- Extended medical treatments
- Rehabilitation
- Medications
- Corrective surgeries
- Replacement services
- Updates to make the home accessible
- Long-term care
- Lost income
- Lost earning
- Mobility aids (e.g. crutches, wheelchair)
Non-Economic Damages are intangible items like:
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Permanent disfigurement
- Loss of consortium (spouse’s loss)
- Loss of enjoyment of life
How Damages for Victims of Podiatric Malpractice Are Valuated
Calculating damages in podiatric malpractice cases involves a thorough assessment of both economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages, like medical bills and lost wages, are quantified based on documentation and testimony of medical experts and if appropriate economists. Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, are evaluated based on the extent of the injury, its impact on the victim’s life, and precedent set by similar cases, and also require the expertise of a medical economist.
Contact Our Experienced Podiatry Malpractice Attorney Today
Larry Karam has the persistence and determination to take each necessary legal step to bring you the compensation you are entitled to receive. He will gather persuasive evidence, calculate your costs with the help of medical and economic experts, vigorously negotiate with opposing attorneys, and, if necessary, forcefully litigate your claim. You can rely on him to leave no stone unturned when it comes to recovering every dollar you deserve.