Foot injuries can be very painful because our entire body weight rests on the feet. Such injuries are inconvenient because normal day to day movement is restricted. So imagine if instead of healing a foot injury, permanent damage is inflicted by the person who is supposed to be curing the problem.
Podiatric Malpractice
There are many types of malpractice that can occur with podiatric cases. Some result from unnecessary surgery or a resulting infection. In other cases it can be a misdiagnosis which leads to improper treatment or improper surgical techniques being used. Errors in prescribing medication and lasting post-operative pain are also reasons for podiatric lawsuits. From the administrative side, a breach of contract, or fee dispute can trigger a malpractice claim.
Most podiatrists are responsible practitioners, but some will prescribe surgery without first exhausting other avenues of treatment. Surgery is more expensive and enables the podiatrist to collect higher fees. Such an invasive procedure can put the patient at risk of post-operative infection and other complications. Foot reconstruction is another risky operation that should only be undertaken when truly necessary. Botched surgery can also lead to the need for further corrective surgeries, extending the initial pain and suffering experienced by the patient.
Lack of Informed Consent
Before any surgical operation, the podiatrist should ask you to sign a consent form. The purpose of this standard procedure is to inform you of the risks involved with undergoing such an operation. Some risks, such as excessive bleeding, are considered “unavoidable” and therefore not the surgeon’s fault. Other risks can be deemed to have originated with an error by the surgeon. Lack of informed consent is actually responsible for 24 percent of podiatric malpractice cases. An experienced Cherry Hill medical malpractice firm can help you determine if a poor result of surgery was due to what was unavoidable risk or the surgeon’s error.
Medical Error
No person is infallible, but because medical errors can be life threatening, healthcare facilities should have systems in place to check and prevent them. Highly trained staff and detailed protocols can help deliver patient care at optimal levels. Unfortunately, sometimes there is a breakdown in these systems and errors do occur. Podiatric/medical error can be due to any of these reasons:
- Attempting to shorten a surgical procedure (taking shortcuts)
- Fatigue – medical professionals often work long hours without enough rest between shifts
- Lack of experience/Improper training
- Lack of preparation for the procedure
- Substance abuse – drugs or alcohol
- Poor communication of patient records (failure to note proper dosages of medications)
- Hygienic failure such as the use of improperly sterilized instruments
Cherry Hill Malpractice Lawyers at Folkman Law Offices, P.C. Represent Victims of Podiatric Malpractice
Podiatric malpractice can result in nerve, tendon, or muscle damage, as well as long term pain and suffering. If you or someone you love has recently experienced difficulties after podiatric treatment, the Cherry Hill malpractice lawyers at Folkman Law Offices, P.C. can offer you counsel. Call us at 856-354-9444, or contact us online for a free review of your case. We serve clients throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
