Podiatric Malpractice Attorneys Advocating for Injured Victims in New Jersey
You may see a foot doctor when you have persistent pain in your feet. The podiatrist practices medicine applicable to the foot and its related components, such as the ankle, heel, or toes. In some states, a podiatrist may perform surgeries and other procedures on some or all foot parts, but the variability among states in the scope of practice for physicians in podiatry is significant. Since chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and vascular diseases, typically affect the feet, medical negligence in diagnosing and treating these and many other conditions affecting this area of the body happen on a frequent basis, many of which can lead to serious injuries for victims.
If you or someone you love has experienced harm due to podiatrist malpractice, Fronzuto Law Group’s talented team of attorneys is committed to advocating on your behalf for just compensation. We assist podiatric negligence victims across New Jersey with using the legal system to pursue justice and the financial recovery they need for a better future. Contact us anytime for a free review of your case at 973-435-4551.
Common Conditions that Podiatrists Handle
People with foot or ankle problems may see podiatrists for diagnosis and treatment. A podiatrist diagnoses and treats diseases and injuries such as diabetes, fallen arches, neuroma, arthritis, corns, broken ankles, warts, plantar fasciitis, sports injuries, hammer toe, flat feet, Achilles tendonitis, leg wounds, ingrown toenails, and sprains.
Kinds of Procedures and Treatments Often Used in Podiatry
After a physical assessment of the feet and ankle mobility issues, a podiatrist may run tests and determine whether surgery or another form of treatment is necessary. They diagnose underlying conditions and injuries, order tests and scans, perform surgery if applicable, and prescribe medications or devices like orthotics or canes.
Depending on the condition, a podiatrist may trim nails to avoid ingrown toenails, medicate foot fungus or Athlete’s foot, and recommend a hygiene regimen to prevent future problems. They may treat bunions with orthotics, perform surgery to correct an issue causing pain and other problems, such as gait issues, and implement interventions that avert foot deformities from developing. Sometimes, a physical exam and ice solve conditions like plantar fasciitis.
How Common is Podiatrist Malpractice?
Podiatrists are frequently sued for medical malpractice when they perform podiatry negligently, especially regarding foot and ankle corrective surgery. Over 75% of medical malpractice claims for foot surgery negligence that were reviewed in a recent study involved podiatrists. Over 94% of those involved elective surgeries. However, the typical source of a malpractice claim against a podiatrist is persistent pain (41%) and deforming injuries (27%).
According to an insurance company study of podiatry malpractice, mismanagement of surgery patients (41%) and negligent surgery performances (26%) topped the list of malpractice claims. Injured victims experienced everything from infections to fractures and nerve damage (6 percent). Many needed corrective surgery after experiencing negligence by a podiatrist. Other claims arose from physician performance (63%), poor communication between healthcare providers and patients (36%), misdiagnosis (31%) and treatment choices (29%).
Leading Forms of Podiatric Malpractice
Podiatry malpractice involves any form of negligent care when treating leg, foot, and ankle conditions. Misdiagnosing foot or ankle problems may result in ineffective and delayed treatment, which furthers a patient’s condition and pain. Improper treatment is another source of medical malpractice in the podiatric field. Choosing the wrong treatment can harm a patient when they receive medication that is ineffective in treating the patient’s true condition. A patient may also receive the wrong physical therapy prescribed or undergo an unnecessary procedure.
Prescribing and administering the wrong medication or the proper medication incorrectly likewise falls into the podiatric malpractice category. Medical malpractice is especially evident when a podiatrist fails to review a patient’s chart for medications that they routinely take. A new medication may interact poorly with other medicines, causing the patient to become ill or require emergency treatment.
A negligent podiatrist may perform a useless surgery or perform the correct surgery incorrectly, which could worsen a patient’s foot or ankle problem and prolong their recovery, even requiring further surgeries. Moreover, post-surgery dangers are not uncommon. Thus, a podiatrist who does not anticipate post-surgery complications or follow up with patients after procedures may be held responsible for the resulting harm. A patient may not know what to expect or what is normal after surgery, so a medical professional must prepare and follow up with patients post-surgery for their protection.
Additionally, practicing substandard medical care, such as misdiagnosing infections, bone cancer, or nerve injuries, may be grounds for an injured victim to file a claim against the negligent podiatrist. Incompetent treatment of bone spurs, heel pain, or diabetic foot, toe, and skin issues, can also lead to podiatric malpractice claims.
Examples of Complications that may Result from Podiatrist Negligence
Podiatric surgery mistakes often lead to prolonged and chronic pain. Botched surgeries or misdiagnoses that lead to foot and ankle deformities can ultimately cause permanent disability and the necessity for medical device assistance to walk. Some patients may suffer intensified treatment when a cancer diagnosis comes too late.
Recoverable Damages for Victims of Podiatry Malpractice in New Jersey
In New Jersey, you can seek compensation for damages that a medical professional caused in diagnosing and treating your podiatric issues. Compensatory damages include economic or financial losses, such as medical expenses, loss of income, and other out-of-pocket losses due to the injuries of a negligent practitioner. Non-economic compensatory damages include pain and suffering, loss of life enjoyment, and mental anguish.
Punitive damages punish a bad actor for malicious or reckless behavior that causes injury and deters other negligent defendants. New Jersey caps punitive damage at the greater of $350,000.00 or five times the compensatory damages amount.
Contact an Experienced NJ Podiatrist Malpractice Lawyer for Guidance
Most people know something is wrong when their condition worsens after seeking medical care. However, to prove that a procedure or surgery failed to cure or improve a condition because of negligence requires professional legal assistance. That is where a medical malpractice attorney comes in. You may not know how to confirm that your injuries are due to your doctor’s negligence, but our attorneys at Fronzuto Law Group have been doing this for decades on behalf of injured victims throughout New Jersey.
It is our job to know how to identify and verify medical malpractice and our passion to fight for the maximum compensation recoverable for our clients. While we are well-versed in medical terminology and procedures from handling medical malpractice cases, we also work with renowned medical experts to investigate alongside us and confirm the specific conduct constituting medical negligence. Our attorneys know how to choose the right expert for each case based on a unique understanding of the standards of practice that medical professionals in particular specialties violate, including podiatrists.
Without an attorney, you must negotiate with insurers who will undoubtedly undervalue your claim or dispute physician liability. However, medical malpractice insurers cannot dupe our experienced medical malpractice lawyers, nor can they prevent us from convincing a jury that your medical care was, indeed, substandard, which resulted in your injuries. We are highly equipped at knowing what proper and persuasive evidence of your claim will successfully meet the burden of proof in court for the optimal jury award.
Consulting with a podiatric malpractice lawyer at Fronzuto Law Group can help you explore and pursue the legal options available to you and obtain the compensation you need on your road to recovery. Call our New Jersey offices at 973-435-4551 for a free consultation regarding your podiatry negligence case.
