If you are receiving care from a podiatrist, you're placing your trust in them to safeguard your mobility and overall foot health. When that trust is broken due to podiatry negligence, the impact can be significant, affecting not just your physical wellbeing, but your emotional state too.

If you've been injured or harmed as a result of clinical negligence at the hands of a podiatrist, you can make a medical negligence claim to help you achieve justice. That's where Switalskis can help. We understand that navigating the legal processes around clinical negligence claims can seem overwhelming, which is why we're committed to standing by your side during this journey.

Now is the time to take that vital first step towards justice. Claiming the compensation that you deserve can help you on your road to recovery. With Switalskis, you'll find a team of expert solicitors ready to guide, support and advocate for you every step of the way.

Negligence in podiatry, as in other medical fields, involves the breach of a duty of care that a professional owes to their patient. Every podiatrist has a legal responsibility to provide care that meets established professional standards. This means that when you visit a podiatrist, they're obliged to treat you with the same level of skill, care and diligence that any other competent podiatrist would under similar circumstances.

In order to make a clinical negligence claim against a podiatrist, you must be able to prove that they failed to meet this minimum standard. When we're building a case for you, we'll look to demonstrate the following:

• That your podiatrist failed to provide the expected level of care, whether through action or omission. This could be due to a lack of knowledge, not following established protocols, or even simple oversight.
• That there was a direct link between the podiatrist's negligence and the harm or injury you suffered. In other words, we need to prove that the harm wouldn't have happened if the podiatrist had adhered to the expected standard of care.
• That their negligence led to actual harm or injury, whether this is physical (such as a foot condition getting worse) or psychological (like trauma or distress caused by the incident).

Establishing these facts needs strong evidence. This may include a combination of medical records, expert testimonies and a thorough understanding of the standards expected within podiatric medicine. By contacting Switalskis, we can bring all of this together to build a compelling case for you.

Substandard care in podiatry can have profound implications for a patient's overall health and quality of life. Here are some of the potential lasting consequences of serious errors made by your podiatrist:

• Chronic pain: Mistakes in diagnosis or treatment can lead to persistent pain in the feet, ankles or even the entire lower limbs. This pain can limit mobility and make it hard to take part in daily activities.
• Mobility issues: Improper treatment or surgical errors can lead to difficulties in walking, running or even standing. This can affect a person's independence, making them reliant on mobility aids or assistance.
• Infections: If sterilisation procedures aren't followed or wounds aren't properly cared for, infections can develop. In severe cases, these infections can affect the entire body.
• Permanent disability: Severe cases of negligence, especially in surgical procedures, can lead to permanent disabilities. This might include nerve damage, loss of function, or even amputation in extreme cases.
• Complications from medication: Without a thorough review of a patient's medical history or current medications, a podiatrist might prescribe drugs that cause allergic reactions, harmful side effects or negative interactions with other medications.
• Mental and emotional strain: Chronic pain, reduced mobility or the stress of dealing with complications can lead to mental health issues like depression, anxiety or low self-esteem.
• Financial costs: Having to go back for repeated treatments, surgeries or therapies to correct or manage the consequences of substandard podiatry can be costly. This can lead to financial strain, especially if the patient is unable to work due to their health issues.
• Decreased quality of life: The effects of these health consequences can significantly reduce a person's quality of life. Activities they once enjoyed might become impossible, and the person might become more isolated as a result.

If you've experienced any of these complications due to substandard treatment or improper management at the hands of your podiatrist, making a claim for compensation can help you get the support you need.

The compensation amount for podiatry negligence claims can vary significantly based on the specifics of each case. It's not just about the immediate harm or injury; it's about the broader impact on your life, both now and in the future. Here's a breakdown of what we might consider:

• The lasting impact and severity of the injury
• The cost of past and anticipated future medical expenses
• The value of any lost earnings, now and in the future
• Any physical pain and emotional distress you've suffered
• Costs for needed care, whether professional or from your family
• Home adaptations or equipment modifications that you've needed due to the injury
• The emotional and psychological effects of the ordeal
• The impact on your lifestyle, if you've been forced to give up hobbies or activities
• Legal precedents set by previous similar cases, and the amount of compensation that was awarded

Because every case is unique, it's impossible to provide a specific estimate of how much compensation you could claim without looking at the details. Speak to Switalskis, and we'll review your case to offer guidance on the potential value of your claim.

Pursuing a podiatry negligence claim is a significant step, and it's natural to wonder how long the process might take. On average, podiatry negligence claims can take anywhere from a few months to several years to resolve, depending on the following factors:

• The complexity of the case - Complicated cases, especially those involving multiple parties or disputed details, can take longer
• Gathering evidence - obtaining all the necessary medical records, expert opinions and other evidence can be time-consuming
• The defendant's response - If the party you're claiming against admits fault early on, the claim can progress more quickly. However, if they dispute the claim, further investigations and negotiations might be needed
• Negotiations - Some cases can be settled quickly out of court through negotiations. The length of this phase can vary depending on the willingness of both parties to reach an agreement
• Court proceedings - If a settlement isn't reached and the case goes to court, this can extend the timeline. Court schedules, preparation and the trial itself can add months or even years to the process.
• The severity of the injury - Claims involving severe injuries or long-term health implications might take longer, as they need a thorough assessment to determine the full extent of compensation needed

At Switalskis, we understand the importance of resolving your claim efficiently. We'll always aim to make the process as quick as possible while keeping our main focus on obtaining the justice and compensation you deserve.