Sinus Surgery Injuries

New York Lawyer Helping Victims of Empty Nose Syndrome

Many people do not initially realize that they have been permanently damaged by their sinus surgery; they think that their old symptoms have just returned. Sometimes it is not until much later that they realize they are the victims of medical malpractice.

Free Consultation. If you think you have been injured as a result of sinus surgery, please contact the New York law office of Susan Dennehy. Call 212.974.6100 to schedule an appointment. Attorney Dennehy is AV®-rated* under Martindale-Hubbell’s peer review rating system. She will be able to tell you how to proceed.

New York City attorney Susan Dennehy brings lawsuits against Ear Nose and Throat specialists (ENTs) and other medical professionals who have removed too much nasal tissue during sinus surgery. Their negligence causes a painful condition known as Empty Nose Syndrome.

What is Empty Nose Syndrome?

Empty Nose Syndrome is caused by removing too much turbinate mucosal tissue from a person's nasal cavity during a sinus surgery such as an inferior turbinectomy, a middle turbinectomy, or a septoplasty. The injury can be life-changing, causing breathing difficulties, pain from exposed nerve endings and chronic infection.

Breathing difficulties a common consequence of sinus surgery

Over-removal of the turbinates ruins the nose's ability to function. The turbinates stream and filter air when it enters the body and before it reaches the lungs. They are important to the body because this streaming creates a suction power in the lungs. When the turbinates are widened too much, the surgery decreases the sucking power of the lungs so Empty Nose Syndrome sufferers often feel like they can never get enough oxygen. This experience is sometimes known as "paradoxical obstruction."

Other symptoms after sinus surgery

Incorrectly performed sinus surgery can lead to a variety of additional problems related to Empty Nose Syndrome, including:

• Chest tightness
• Mucous in nasal passage dries and becomes thick
• Dryness in throat, palette, and tongue
• Foul smell from nose (this is a condition called Ozaena)
• Speech problems
• Loss of ability to smell
• Susceptibility to infection
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Depression and hopelessness
• Increased risk of suicide

An attorney known for her work in difficult malpractice cases

Our principal lawyer, Susan Dennehy, has more than 30 years of legal experience as well as medical and scientific knowledge from her work as a science journalist. She understands defense strategies because of her previous career as an insurance defense attorney. She has the ability to anticipate the defense’s response to a claim arising from errors during sinus surgery. Equally important is her appreciation and sympathy for the pain and anxiety injured people experience. She devotes her legal practice to helping people find a remedy through proper compensation, medical treatment and information. As a result of her success with difficult medical malpractice cases, she has been cited in the New York Times and the New York Post.

Contact Lawyer Susan A. Dennehy

If you have had sinus surgery that has left you with symptoms of Empty Nose Syndrome, our firm can help you take action to obtain compensation for your injury. Contact our Manhattan law office by calling 212.974.6100. We offer free initial consultations. Attorney Dennehy is available for evening and weekend or home meetings by appointment to meet your needs.