What Happens If Your Foot Surgery Goes Wrong? Your Legal Rights in New York Explained
In this part of our series, we’re covering an important topic: what to do when something goes wrong after foot or ankle surgery performed by a podiatrist in New York.
In earlier episodes, we talked about how to choose a podiatrist, what questions to ask before and after surgery, and how to manage recovery. Today, we’re diving into what happens when your foot surgery doesn’t go as planned and you start to suspect something went wrong.
Signs Something May Be Wrong After Podiatric Surgery
You might find yourself thinking, “Something’s not right.” Maybe:
- You’ve had multiple foot surgeries with the same podiatrist and still aren’t healing.
- You’ve gone for a second opinion, and another medical professional hinted or directly said that a mistake was made—either the surgery was unnecessary, or something went wrong during the procedure.
- You’re experiencing new or worsening issues like trouble walking, inability to bear weight, or pain that’s limiting your daily activities.
If any of these apply, you may be dealing with podiatric malpractice—and you’re not alone. Unfortunately, these cases are more common than many people think.
Should You Call a Lawyer?
The decision to speak with a medical malpractice attorney is personal. Some people reach out to a lawyer the moment they suspect something is wrong. Others wait to see how things progress.
Both approaches are valid, but there’s a crucial legal deadline to keep in mind if you’re in New York:
The statute of limitations to file a medical malpractice claim— including against a podiatrist—is 2.5 years (30 months) from the date of the alleged negligence.
If you wait too long and miss this deadline, you may lose the ability to seek any legal recovery, no matter how strong your case is.
How to Find the Right Lawyer for a Podiatry Malpractice Case?
If you decide to explore your legal options, here are some tips for finding the right lawyer:
- Search online and read client reviews.
- Look for firms that specifically handle podiatry malpractice or medical negligence cases in New York.
- Consider whether you prefer a large firm (with more resources but possibly less personal attention) or a smaller firm that may offer a more hands-on approach.
- Call and speak with a few attorneys. Ask questions, get a feel for their experience, and decide who you’re most comfortable with.
Just as you would research before choosing a podiatrist, you should do the same when selecting a lawyer.
Final Thoughts
If you’re experiencing complications after foot or ankle surgery and suspect something went wrong, it’s important to act quickly and get the guidance you need.
Our team is here to educate, empower, and support people in New York who may be victims of podiatric malpractice or surgical negligence.
If you have questions, we’re here to help. Stay tuned for the next episode, where we’ll go over what the legal process actually looks like if you decide to file a claim.