Woman Develops Complex Regional Pain Syndrome following Unnecessary Foot Surgery; Settled for $990,000

A 40-year-old woman developed Complex Regional Pain Sydrome, leaving her permanently disabled as a result of a foot surgery recommended and performed by her podiatrist which in truth was unnecessary. The woman initially went to see the podiatrist because she suffered foot pain when she wore high heeled shoes. After just one appointment, the podiatrist informed her that surgery was her only option for relief, suggesting that if surgery was not performed, the problem would grow worse. The podiatrist ignored the type of shoes the patient wore, and made no attempt to employ more conservative, non-invasive therapies. Following the surgery, the woman complained of severe pain, prompting the podiatrist to perform two additional surgeries on nerves in her foot. As a result, plaintiff developed Complex Regional Pain Sydrome, a debilitating, permanent nerve condition that causes constant, severe pain in her foot. Kevin Liebeck of Hodes Milman represented the plaintiff in mediation, resulting in a settlement of $990,000.