CHARLESTON, West Virginia — Hartley Law Group, PLLC has filed a medical negligence lawsuit on behalf of a Kanawha County man who alleges that improper podiatric care led to the amputation of his pinky toe and part of his foot.
The complaint, filed October 2, 2025, in Kanawha Circuit Court, names Dr. Seth Craft and Foot and Ankle Clinic of the Virginias, Inc. as defendants. Attorneys R. Dean Hartley and Mark R. Staun of Hartley Law Group represent the plaintiffs, Steven Toler and his wife Jessica Payne.
Allegations of Negligent Wound Care
According to the complaint, Mr. Toler, a 54-year-old diabetic, first sought treatment from Dr. Craft on March 26, 2024, for ulcers on his left foot and heel. Despite ongoing symptoms and multiple visits, Dr. Craft allegedly failed to perform necessary wound cultures over several months of treatment, instead repeatedly debriding the wounds and prescribing antibiotics ineffective against the infections later discovered.
The lawsuit asserts that rather than using an appropriate off-loading device to facilitate healing, Toler was kept in a less effective surgical shoe. His condition did not improve, yet Dr. Craft continued debridement procedures without further diagnostic steps.
Progression to Amputation
By July 2024, Toler’s wounds had not healed, and another podiatrist at the same clinic, Dr. Brad Hoffman, evaluated him. Dr. Hoffman determined that the ulcer beneath Toler’s fifth metatarsal had reached the bone, resulting in chronic osteomyelitis.
Toler was admitted to Charleston Area Medical Center for surgical intervention. On July 17, 2024, Dr. Hoffman performed debridement surgery and removed Toler’s left fifth toe. Subsequent tests confirmed MRSA and pseudomonas infections—both resistant to the antibiotics previously prescribed by Dr. Craft. Following additional procedures and treatment, Toler required further resection and closure of his forefoot wound.
Claims & Relief Sought
The lawsuit claims Dr. Craft violated the standard of care in treating diabetic ulcers by failing to conduct wound cultures, provide effective antibiotic therapy, and utilize proper off-loading methods. It also holds Foot and Ankle Clinic of the Virginias, Inc. vicariously liable for his actions.
Mr. Toler and Ms. Payne seek compensatory and general damages, along with court costs, attorney fees, and pre- and post-judgment interest. The case has been assigned to Judge Carrie Webster in Kanawha Circuit Court (Case No. 25-C-1164).
Standing Up for Patients Harmed by Negligent Care
When medical professionals fail to provide proper treatment—especially for vulnerable patients with conditions like diabetes—the results can be devastating. Hartley Law Group has a long track record of holding healthcare providers accountable when substandard care leads to serious injury, infection, or amputation.
If you or a loved one suffered complications, infection, or amputation after receiving improper wound or podiatric care, you may be entitled to compensation. Our experienced medical malpractice attorneys are here to help you understand your rights and pursue justice.
Call Hartley Law Group today at 1.800.625.2889 for a free consultation.
