Articles Posted in Podiatry Malpractice

In medical malpractice cases in New York, plaintiffs are required to set forth bills of particulars, which essentially explain the plaintiff’s injuries and damages in detail. It is critical that a plaintiff file a bill of particulars that is detailed and comprehensive, as there are strict rules regarding what information a bill of particulars can contain, the manner in which they can be modified, and how many amendments are permitted. Recently, a New York court issued a ruling in a podiatry malpractice case, in which it discussed amendments to a bill of particulars. If you suffered harm due to the negligent treatment of a foot condition or disease, you might be owed damages, and you should speak to a trusted Syracuse podiatry malpractice lawyer.

Procedural History of the Case

It is alleged that the plaintiff treated with the defendant podiatrist in 2016 for bunion deformities on both feet. The defendant eventually removed the plaintiff’s bunions surgically. The plaintiff asserted the procedure was performed improperly, leading to numerous complications. As such, he filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against the defendant.

It is reported that the plaintiff filed an initial bill of particulars in January 2018 and served the defendant with two supplemental bills of particulars later that year. In January 2019, a note of issue was filed, and in August 2019, the plaintiff served the defendant with a third supplemental bill of particulars. The defendant moved to strike the third supplemental bill of particulars as it alleged new injuries, and the court granted the motion. The plaintiff then filed a motion for leave to serve an amended bill of particulars. Continue Reading ›

Doctors frequently work for other physicians or facilities. As such, if a physician’s carelessness causes harm, the injured party may not only be able to pursue claims against the doctor but also the party that employed him or her. In a recent New York opinion, the court explained what a plaintiff must establish to prove a vicarious liability claim against a hospital for negligent care provided by a physician, in a matter where the plaintiff alleged podiatrist malpractice. If you were hurt by the carelessness of a foot doctor, you might be able to pursue claims for damages, and it is advisable to speak to a trusted Syracuse podiatry malpractice lawyer to determine your potential claims.

The Plaintiff’s Harm

It is reported that the plaintiff was referred to the defendant podiatrist by his primary care physician. The plaintiff treated with the defendant podiatrist for a laceration in his big toe. At the time, the plaintiff was working as an independent contractor for the defendant practice and the defendant physician. Due to unspecified harm, the plaintiff filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against the defendant podiatrist. He then amended the complaint to include claims against the defendant practice and physician, alleging they were vicariously liable. They ultimately moved to dismiss the claims against them via summary judgment.

Vicarious Liability for Medical Malpractice

Pursuant to the doctrine of respondent superior, a doctor or care facility may be deemed vicariously liable for the negligence of its employee. In cases in which no employment relationship exists, they may be vicariously liable under theories of agency, apparent agency, or control in fact. In the subject case, the defendant practice and physician argued they could not be deemed liable for the defendant podiatrist because he was an independent contractor and not an employee, and they did not exercise control over his work performance. Continue Reading ›

In New York medical malpractice cases, the plaintiff bears the initial burden of proving that the defendant’s failure to act in a manner that complies with the applicable standard caused the plaintiff to suffer harm. If the plaintiff meets this burden, the burden then shifts to the defendant, who must show that the evidence, on its face, demonstrates that the plaintiff’s claims must be dismissed. As such, if a defendant meets its burden of proof, a plaintiff can only avoid dismissal by showing that a triable issue of material fact exists. If a defendant does not meet its burden, however, the plaintiff’s claims will not be dismissed despite the strength of the plaintiff’s evidence in opposition to a motion for dismissal, as shown in a recent podiatry malpractice case. If you were harmed by negligent care rendered by a podiatrist, it is advisable to speak to a Syracuse podiatry malpractice attorney to analyze your possible claims.

Facts of the Case

It is reported that the defendant, a podiatrist, performed a plantar fasciotomy on the plaintiff’s left foot. Following the procedure, the plaintiff began experiencing numbness in her fifth toe, difficulty walking, and pain. The plaintiff then filed a medical malpractice claim against the defendant podiatrist and the defendant podiatrist’s employer. At the close of discovery, the defendants filed a motion for summary judgment, in which it asked the court to dismiss the plaintiff’s claims. The defendants’ motion was denied, after which they appealed.

The Defendant’s Burden in New York Medical Malpractice Cases

On appeal, the appellate court affirmed the trial court’s ruling. The appellate court stated that a plaintiff must prove that a defendant departed from the applicable standard of care and that the departure was the proximate cause of the plaintiff’s damages, in order to recover compensation under a medical malpractice claim. As such, a defendant moving for summary judgment must make a prima facie showing either that he or she did not depart from the standard of care or that any departure did not cause the plaintiff to suffer harm. If the defendant makes a prima facie showing, the burden shifts to the plaintiff to produce evidence or materials that demonstrate that a disputed issue of fact exists that must be resolved via trial.

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