What can I do regarding a negligent foot surgery which resulted in permanent disfigurement and loss of use of my foot which gives me extreme pain and mobility issues?
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What can I do regarding a negligent foot surgery which resulted in permanent disfigurement and loss of use of my foot which gives me extreme pain and mobility issues?
I needed 2 corrective surgeries following by another physician. The initial surgery involved bunion removal and hammer toe correction. Corrective surgeries required removal of screws and other devices incorrectly installed by first surgery.
Asked on September 10, 2015 under Malpractice Law, Iowa
Answers:
S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
Medical malpractice is negligence. Negligence is the failure to exercise due care that degree of care that a reasonable medical practitioner in the community would have exercised under the same or similar circumstances to prevent foreseeable harm.
Prior to filing a lawsuit for negligence against the first surgeon, it may be possible to settle the case with his/her malpractice insurance carrier.
Your claim filed with the malpractice insurance carrier should include your medical bills, medical reports and documentation of wage loss.
Compensation for the medical bills is straight reimbursement. The medical reports will document the nature and extent of your injury/medical condition and will be used to determine compensation for pain and suffering which is an amount in addition to the medical bills. Compensation for wage loss is straight reimbursement.
If the case is settled with the malpractice insurance carrier, NO lawsuit is filed.
If you are dissatisfied with settlement offers from the malpractice insurance carrier, reject the settlement offers and file a lawsuit for negligence against the first surgeon. If the case is NOT settled with the malpractice insurance carrier, your lawsuit for negligence against the first surgeon must be filed prior to the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations or you will lose your rights forever in the matter.
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