How Can Medical Negligence Result in a Spinal Cord Injury?

Published on September 16, 2022

Medical negligence can result in a spinal cord injury if the licensed healthcare provider fails to meet their general or medical care duties. This standard requires physicians to act in a manner that another reasonable physician would have for the given circumstances. Otherwise, their actions could result in a spinal cord injury and medical negligence claim to pay for the patient’s medical bills, lost work wages, and pain and suffering damages under Arizona law.

In this article, a Phoenix medical negligence attorney addresses five causes of medical negligence that could result in a spinal cord injury. We also share what patients and surviving family members can do if they suspect negligence plays a role.

Cause 1. Misdiagnosis

While most spinal cord injuries result from trauma, such as a back injury sustained in a vehicle accident or a fall, others are caused by a diagnosable condition. Certain diseases and conditions, including cancer, spinal stenosis, abscess, and meningitis, can cause long-term or irreversible damage to the spine. It is essential to promptly detect these disorders and initiate therapy to limit the risk of spine injury.

Cause 2. Emergency Room Errors

For the safety and well-being of patients, emergency rooms must be appropriately structured, administered, and regulated. However, many facilities in Arizona are overburdened with patients and may not adhere to the proper medical regulations. If you suffer from a spinal cord injury due to an emergency room error, such as early release or misdiagnosis, you might have grounds for a medical malpractice claim.

Cause 3. Lacking Informed Consent

If you require surgery or another medical procedure, you have the right to provide informed consent before the process. Your physician must explain and provide information about the treatment’s potential advantages and dangers and any alternatives before receiving it. If they did not inform you of spinal cord damage before treatment, get legal advice as soon as possible.

Cause 4. Anesthesia Errors

Anesthesia administration is a delicate task that requires attention and caution. Unfortunately, anesthesiologists sometimes make errors, such as inserting a needle too close to a nerve or producing an epidural hematoma. It is possible to bring a medical malpractice claim against a provider, physician, or anesthesiologist under these circumstances.

Cause 5. Surgical Errors

Patients could suffer spinal cord injuries if physicians fail to communicate effectively with their team or plan the procedure poorly. Surgical errors such as severing or injuring a nerve, operating on the incorrect body part, or failing to respond promptly to an emergency can all increase the likelihood of a patient suffering from a lifelong spinal cord injury.

What to Do If You Think Medical Negligence Caused Your Spinal Cord Injury

A spinal cord injury has the potential to change your life forever. Arizona law allows you to file a medical malpractice case if your licensed healthcare provider caused the injury under ARS Section 12-561, permitting the recovery of your financial and physical losses. Ensure you get legal advice as soon as possible to avoid missing your chance to recover an award.

Get a Free Consultation with Knapp & Roberts

The legal team at Knapp & Roberts encourages you to contact us if you think your family member is a nursing home abuse or neglect victim. Get a Free Consultation by calling 480.991.7677 or messaging us online. We will not get paid until you win your case.