Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) can be extremely serious and often lead to long-term or permanent disability that makes it hard for people to return to their normal daily lifestyle. SCIs can result from incidents like trucking accidents, slip and falls, or even medical negligence. In this blog, Bell Law Firm will highlight these injuries, uncover common symptoms, and help you make an informed legal decision if you or a loved one has suffered from harm as a result of medical malpractice specifically.
What is a Spinal Cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury involves damage to any part of the spinal cord, disrupting the brain’s ability to communicate with the body. This often causes permanent changes in strength, feeling and other body functions. Depending on the severity, spinal cord injuries are classified as:
- Complete SCI: No motor or sensory function below the injury site.
- Incomplete SCI: Some motor or sensory function remains.
The extent of the impairment depends on the location of the injury. Higher-level injuries (closer to the neck) often result in quadriplegia, the loss of movement and sensation in all four limbs. Lower injuries – like what we see in cases like Cris Nelson’s and Jason Hargrove’s – may cause paraplegia, involving the loss of movement and sensation in the lower half of the body. Spinal cord injuries can also cause secondary health issues such as respiratory complications, chronic pain, and muscle atrophy.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries
The symptoms of a spinal cord injury depend on the affected nerve signals. There are three types of signals that an SCI can affect: sensory, motor, and autonomic. Immediate recognition of spinal cord injuries is crucial for preventing further damage. SCI can cause one or more symptoms, including:
- Loss of movement or paralysis
- Altered sensation, including loss of touch or temperature perception
- Difficulty breathing
- Intense pain or pressure in the neck, head, or back
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
Healthcare teams typically perform a series of tests—physical exam, neurological exam, imaging scans, and diagnostic test, to determine the neurological level and severity of a suspected spinal cord injury to prevent worsening complications.
Medical Malpractice in Spinal Cord Injuries Cases
Not all spinal cord injuries are the result of negligence, but when medical errors occur, they can have life-altering consequences. Some common causes where medical malpractice can lead to SCIs include:
- Surgical Error – There are several common spinal surgeries and procedures, from spinal fusions and discectomies to spinal taps to relieve localized pain. Although avoidable, surgical errors happen due to physicians who may have not taken the proper precautions or have experience in the procedure. Examples of these surgical errors include severing nerves, wrong site operation, and incorrectly placing screws or hardware as well.
- Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis – Timely diagnosis of a spinal cord injury is essential. It requires a series of tests to diagnose the injury, which can lead to overlooked scans, additional testing, and miscommunication between physicians, resulting in missed or late diagnosis that can cause irreversible damage.
- Improper Care – Mishandling patients with suspected spinal injuries can worsen their condition. For example, a poor spinal or epidural injection can cause direct harm to the spinal cord. Busy healthcare providers may also overlook the proper care needed for SCIs, such as immobilizing a patient or closely monitoring to chart signs of complications that could help prevent serious injury.
Seeking Legal Action in A Spinal Cord Injury Case
If a spinal cord injury results from medical negligence or another party’s recklessness, victims may be entitled to compensation. A medical malpractice or personal injury claim can help recover damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, physical and emotional distress, and accessibility modifications. Consult with an experienced medical malpractice attorney to help determine the best course of action.
Bell Law Firm has extensive experience managing cases related to severe spinal cord injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury, you need a team of experts on your side to get fair and full compensation. We’re ready to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.