Patient Turned to Specialist for Help
Lissette Ramirez lived in Miami-Dade County, Florida. She needed treatment for a serious foot condition and turned to Dr. Stephen Wigley IV. He was a licensed Florida podiatrist who ran two businesses, Wigley Foot and Ankle, LLC, and Wigley Feet, Inc. Both companies offered podiatric services in her area. On August 9, 2021, Dr. Wigley performed a major surgery on Ramirez’s left foot. The procedure involved a Charcot reconstruction, medial column fusion, internal fixation, and Achilles tendon lengthening. The surgery failed to achieve its goals.
When One Surgery Became Several
After the first operation failed, Ramirez returned to Dr. Wigley on July 12, 2022. He performed another surgery to remove hardware, repair tendons, and repeat the fusion. Despite the effort, Ramirez’s condition continued to decline. She then sought treatment elsewhere. On August 22, 2023, Dr. Ettore Vulcano at Mount Sinai Medical Center performed extensive reconstructive surgery. The procedure aimed to correct complications caused by Dr. Wigley’s previous work. By April 2024, Ramirez required yet another surgery, a full ankle fusion. She claimed that the original errors in surgical technique and hardware use led to this series of operations.
Life-Altering Consequences Followed
The impact of these surgeries on Ramirez’s life was profound. She suffered permanent damage to her lower left leg. She experienced pain, disfigurement, and a major loss of function. Her mobility became limited. Everyday activities, once routine, became difficult. The injuries affected not only her physical health but also her mental and emotional well-being. She faced ongoing treatment, therapy, and a reduced quality of life.
What She Says She Lost
Ramirez listed several types of harm in her legal complaint. She described ongoing pain and physical disability. She also reported emotional distress, humiliation, and loss of independence. She claimed damages for medical costs, both past and future. These included surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term care. She also cited a loss of enjoyment of life and personal dignity. Her total claimed damages exceeded $50,000, not counting interest and legal costs.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff: Lissette Ramirez
Counsel for Plaintiff: Marc P. Ganz | Roniel Rodriguez IV
Defendants: Stephen Wigley, IV, D.P.M. | Wigley Feet, Inc. | Wigley Foot and Ankle, LLC
Counsel for Defendants: Neil David Kodsi | Andrew M. Feldman
Garnishee: USAA Federal Savings Bank
Legal Action Targets Surgeon and Clinics
In her first claim, Ramirez accused Dr. Wigley of medical negligence. She stated he used improper surgical techniques and the wrong hardware. She alleged he failed to recognize or fix the complications in time. In the second claim, she held Wigley Foot and Ankle, LLC responsible. She stated the clinic employed or controlled Dr. Wigley and should be liable for his actions. In her third claim, she made the same argument against Wigley Feet, Inc. She said both companies allowed Dr. Wigley to perform the negligent procedures. Her attorney confirmed that all legal requirements for a medical malpractice case under Florida law had been met.
Motion for Default Judgement
Lissette Ramirez filed a motion seeking a default judgment on liability. Her legal action stemmed from a medical malpractice claim. She served the complaint on all three Defendants, Stephen Wigley, IV, D.P.M., Wigley Foot and Ankle, LLC, and Wigley Feet, Inc., on June 17, 2024.
None of the Defendants responded. As a result, Ramirez moved for clerk defaults. The court entered defaults against the two corporate defendants on July 17, 2024. It entered a default against Dr. Wigley on August 20, 2024.
The court scheduled a jury trial to begin December 23, 2024. Ramirez asked the court to enter a default judgment on liability against all defendants.
She also requested that the court reserve ruling on liquidated damages until an affidavit is filed. She asked that a jury determine all non-liquidated damages. Her attorneys mailed the motion to the defendants and gave them ten days to respond.
Jury Verdict
On January 6, 2025, a Miami-Dade County jury reached a verdict in favor of Lissette Ramirez. The jury found all three Defendants, Stephen Wigley, IV, D.P.M., Wigley Foot and Ankle, LLC, and Wigley Feet, Inc., liable for medical negligence.
The jury reviewed evidence of failed surgeries and long-term harm. They agreed the Defendants caused lasting damage to Ramirez’s health and quality of life. They considered medical expenses, pain, emotional trauma, and reduced function in daily living.
After deliberation, the jury awarded Ramirez $3,300,000 in total damages. This amount covered both economic and non-economic losses. The award reflected her ongoing medical needs, permanent injuries, and diminished quality of life.
