Spinal Cord Injuries Due to Medical Errors: What Are Your Legal Options?
Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are among the most devastating and life-altering medical conditions a person can experience. While many SCIs result from accidents, falls, or sports injuries, a significant number are caused by medical errors. According to Stalwart Law Group, medical malpractice accounts for about 3.7% of all spinal cord injuries, or around 666 injuries every year. When a healthcare provider’s negligence leads to damage to the spinal cord, the consequences for the patient and their family can be devastating. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to a medical mistake, it’s essential to understand your legal options.
How Do Medical Errors Lead to Spinal Cord Injuries?
Medical errors can occur in various ways, leading to spinal cord injuries. Some of the most common causes include:
- Surgical Errors: Spinal surgeries are complex procedures that require precision and a steady hand. Errors during surgery, such as operating on the wrong part of the spine, accidental severance or damage to the spinal cord or its surrounding nerves, or incorrect placement of surgical hardware, can cause significant injury. According to Stalwart Law Group, surgical errors are the most significant cause of spinal cord injuries resulting from medical malpractice.
- Anesthesia Mistakes: Administering anesthesia, especially epidurals or spinal anesthesia, is a delicate task that requires careful monitoring of the patient’s vital signs and bodily responses. Errors in administering anesthesia, such as improper needle placement or incorrect dosages, can lead to spinal cord damage.
- Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis: Medical professionals are expected to accurately diagnose and treat their patients. When they fail to diagnose spinal disorders, such as spinal stenosis, disc herniation, or vertebral fractures, it can lead to inappropriate treatment or a lack of treatment, worsening the patient’s condition. A delay in diagnosis can allow the condition to worsen, resulting in irreversible spinal cord damage.
- Improper Spinal Injections: Epidurals and other spinal injections must be performed with extreme care. Damage can be serious when the procedure is not done correctly or when the spine itself is hit.
- Medication Errors: Certain medicines can have a detrimental effect on the spine and nervous system when given or prescribed incorrectly.
- Chiropractic and Physical Therapy Mistakes: Improper