Spinal cord injuries are among the most serious medical conditions, often leading to life-altering physical, emotional, and financial challenges. While many spinal cord injuries result from accidents, such as car crashes or falls, some are caused by medical malpractice. When a healthcare provider’s negligence results in damage to the spinal cord, the consequences for a patient and their family can be devastating.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injury Due to Medical Negligence
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care, resulting in harm to the patient. Several types of medical negligence can lead to spinal cord injuries, including:
- Surgical Errors
Spinal surgeries are intricate procedures that require precision. Errors such as improper placement of surgical instruments, nerve damage, or failure to address complications during surgery can result in a spinal cord injury.
- Delayed Diagnosis or Misdiagnosis
Failure to diagnose conditions like spinal infections, herniated discs, or tumors correctly or timely can allow these conditions to worsen and cause irreversible damage to the spinal cord.
- Anesthesia Mistakes
Administering anesthesia incorrectly during procedures near the spine can lead to permanent damage.
- Improper Postoperative Care
After spinal surgery, proper monitoring and care are essential. Neglecting to treat infections, blood clots, changes in a patient’s vital signs or neurological conditions, or other complications can exacerbate a patient’s condition.
- Trauma During Medical Treatment
Even routine procedures can pose risks. For example, rough handling during diagnostic imaging or poorly executed spinal or epidural injections can cause direct harm to the spinal cord.
Holding Medical Providers Liable for Spinal Cord Injuries
To prove medical malpractice in a spinal cord injury (or any type of) case, you need to show that the healthcare provider was responsible for your care, failed to provide the level of care expected in their profession, and caused or worsened your spinal cord injury as a result of that failure. You also need to demonstrate that the injury led to clear harm, such as physical problems, financial costs, or emotional suffering. Importantly, compensation can be sought not only for new injuries but also for the aggravation of pre-existing conditions if the provider’s negligence caused the condition to worsen.
Liability in spinal cord injury malpractice cases doesn’t stop with doctors. Other healthcare professionals and entities involved in your care can also be held responsible if their negligence contributed to your injury. This includes nurses who failed to monitor your condition properly, anesthesiologists who made errors during procedures, or other medical staff who provided substandard care. Hospitals and healthcare facilities themselves can also be liable, especially if they allowed unsafe practices, failed to train their staff adequately, or provided faulty equipment. By identifying and holding all responsible parties accountable, you can seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by their negligence.
The Consequences of a Spinal Cord Injury
A spinal cord injury can affect every aspect of a person’s life. Depending on the severity, the injury may lead to:
- Paralysis: Partial or complete loss of mobility in the lower body (paraplegia) or all four limbs (quadriplegia).
- Chronic Pain: Persistent pain that interferes with daily activities and reduces quality of life.
- Loss of Sensation: Ongoing inability to feel physical touch or temperature changes.
- Loss of Independence: Difficulty performing routine tasks without assistance, which often requires reliance on caregivers or assistive devices.
- Secondary Health Complications: Increased risk of infections, bedsores, muscle atrophy, and cardiovascular issues due to reduced mobility.
- Emotional and Psychological Challenges: Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress are common among spinal cord injury victims, often exacerbated by the sudden and dramatic change in lifestyle.
- Social Isolation: Difficulty participating in social, recreational, or professional activities, leading to feelings of loneliness or disconnection.
- Family Strain: Loved ones may face emotional stress, financial burdens, and the challenge of adapting their lives to provide care and support.
In addition to these physical and emotional consequences, the financial burden can be overwhelming. Victims often face substantial medical bills, ongoing rehabilitation, assistive equipment costs, home modifications, and loss of income due to their inability to work.
Legal Options and Compensation
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to medical malpractice, you have the right to bring a legal claim for compensation for your harm. Compensation can cover a variety of damages, including:
- Medical Expenses
Past and future costs for surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and assistive devices.
- Lost Wages
Income lost due to time away from work, as well as diminished earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering
Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Damages for the reduced ability to participate in activities once enjoyed.
In addition to these losses, compensation may be available for home modifications, assistive devices, or in-home care needed as a result of the injury. Importantly, even if a healthcare provider’s actions aggravated an existing condition rather than causing a new injury, you may still be entitled to damages for the harm they caused.
Why You Need a Lawyer for a Medical Malpractice Case
Medical malpractice cases, especially those involving spinal cord injuries, are highly complex. Proving negligence often requires extensive investigation, expert testimony, and a thorough understanding of medical and legal principles. An experienced attorney can handle these challenges on your behalf, ensuring that your case is built on strong evidence.
As your attorneys, we will review medical records, consult with experts, and calculate the full scope of your damages. We will advocate for you during settlement negotiations and, if necessary, represent you in court to pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
Additionally, medical malpractice claims are subject to strict deadlines, known as statutes of limitations. Acting quickly ensures that your case is filed on time and that critical evidence is preserved.
