Pennsylvania residents may be interested in a case in another state in which a patient underwent an unnecessary amputation. This led to a medical malpractice lawsuit that was filed against a foot specialist. The court documents state that all the toes of the plaintiff’s one foot were amputated along with the metatarsal bones of the forefoot.
According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff’s primary physician advised her patient against the procedure when she learned that the foot specialist planned amputation of all 10 her toes. The doctor allegedly advised the podiatrist that the plaintiff is a paranoid schizophrenic and not capable of giving informed consent. Furthermore, she was not diabetic and had healthy toes. The suit claims that the podiatrist replied that the surgery will be no more than straightening a toe.
Nevertheless, the foot specialist allegedly told the patient that the amputation would relieve her foot pain and allow proper fit of footwear. The amputation surgery then went ahead on her right foot. This allegedly left the patient disfigured and suffering phantom pain. Furthermore, she claims to be unable to walk properly due to poor balance and continuous pain. According to the complaint, the plaintiff can no longer wear a shoe on her right foot, and she has become inactive — increasing susceptibility to blood clots and more.
The plaintiff is seeking punitive damages for fraudulent misrepresentation, intentional infliction of emotional distress and battery. Pennsylvania residents who have suffered the consequences of medical negligence may pursue financial relief for medical expenses and other documented losses. Punitive damages may be awarded at the discretion of the court, and navigating a medical malpractice claim may be tricky. The guidance of an experienced medical malpractice attorney may be invaluable.
Source: courthousenews.com, “Doctor Sued for Five-Toe Amputations”, Lacey Louwagie, Sept. 3, 2015