TEXARKANA - An Arkansas woman has filed a lawsuit against a Texarkana podiatrist claiming the doctor failed to disclose the risks associated with numerous surgical procedures on her foot.
Doris D. Riddick filed suit against Dr. G. Gregg Petty on Sept. 20 in the Eastern District of Texas, Texarkana Division.
In 2007, Riddick was experiencing a burning sensation between the toes of her right foot when she walked and she sought the treatment from the defendant, who is a podiatrist.
Beginning in July 2011, Dr. Petty performed several surgical procedures on Riddick, which she claims where unnecessary and caused serious damage to her right foot. According to the suit, Dr. Petty allegedly described the procedures as minimal incision procedures from which she would quickly recover. However Riddick claims that the bones in her foot failed to heal properly and required multiple surgical procedures by other physicians.
“Defendant failed to disclose risks and hazards that would have influenced a reasonable person in making a decision to give or withhold consent for the procedure,” the lawsuit states.
The defendant is accused of negligence for allegedly:
• Performing unnecessary surgical procedures without first attempting non-operative treatment modes;
• Failing to use ordinary care in the performance of the surgical procedures, which resulted in permanent misalignment of Riddick’s right foot;
• Failing to adequately disclose the risks and hazards associated with the procedures;
• Failing to diagnose abnormal bone healing in the post-operative phase of recovery; and
• Failing to interdict or otherwise treat the abnormal bone healing in Riddick’s right foot following the surgical procedures.
The plaintiff is seeking an award of damages for pain and anguish, disfigurement, medical expenses, exemplary damages and interest.
Riddick is represented by W. David Carter of Mercy Carter Tidwell LLP in Texarkana. A jury trial is requested.
U.S. District Judge Michael H. Schneider is assigned to the case.
Case No. 5:13-cv-00099