Spinal Cord Injuries and Medical Negligence: Understanding the Causes

What Are Spinal Cord Injuries?

A spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when damage to the spinal cord results in loss of movement, sensation, or other bodily functions. While some spinal cord injuries happen due to accidents, many are caused by medical negligence—when a healthcare provider fails to provide proper care, leading to severe consequences.

At LawMD, we know the law and we know the medicine. Our law firm stands out because most of our attorneys are also medical doctors, giving us the unique ability to handle complex spinal cord injury malpractice cases with unmatched expertise.

The Alarming Truth About Spinal Cord Injuries

Many people are unaware of how common spinal cord injuries are, especially those caused by medical errors. Here are some shocking statistics:

• 17,810 new spinal cord injuries occur in the U.S. each year (National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, 2022).
• Medical negligence accounts for nearly 20% of spinal cord injuries, yet it is rarely discussed (Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2021).
• 83% of spinal cord injury victims experience chronic pain for life (American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2020).
• Misdiagnosis and surgical errors lead to permanent spinal cord damage in 1 out of 10 cases (World Neurosurgery Journal, 2021).
• African American and Hispanic patients with spinal cord injuries are 30% more likely to suffer complications due to inadequate medical care (Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Journal, 2022).

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries Due to Medical Negligence

1. Surgical Errors

Spinal surgeries are delicate procedures that require extreme precision. When surgeons make mistakes, the results can be devastating. Some common errors include:

• Nerve damage from improper handling of spinal tissue.
• Wrong-site surgery, where a surgeon operates on the wrong part of the spine.
• Failure to monitor blood flow, leading to spinal cord ischemia (lack of oxygen).

2. Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis

Doctors sometimes fail to recognize serious spinal conditions, leading to delayed or incorrect treatment. Common examples include:

• Herniated discs are mistaken for muscle pain, delaying proper intervention.
• Spinal infections are misdiagnosed as minor back pain, leading to paralysis.
• Missed spinal tumors, which could have been treated earlier.

3. Anesthesia Errors

Anesthesia is critical in many spinal procedures. Mistakes in dosage or administration can result in permanent nerve damage, paralysis, or even death.

4. Birth Injuries

Newborns can suffer spinal cord damage during delivery due to excessive force or improper use of birthing tools. Studies show that 5% of all spinal cord injuries in infants are linked to medical negligence (Pediatrics Journal, 2021).

5. Failure to Properly Treat Spinal Cord Injuries

When doctors fail to provide the correct treatment for spinal cord injuries, the patient’s condition can worsen. Negligent actions include:

• Delaying emergency surgery for spinal fractures.
• Improper handling of spinal trauma patients causes further damage.
• Failure to immobilize the spine correctly, leading to preventable paralysis.

The Devastating Impact of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries don’t just affect movement. They can impact nearly every aspect of a person’s life, including:

• Paralysis – Either partial or complete loss of movement.
• Loss of bladder and bowel control – A common complication in severe SCIs.
• Chronic pain – Many patients experience lifelong nerve pain.
• Emotional distress – Depression affects up to 50% of spinal cord injury victims (Psychological Medicine Journal, 2022).
• Financial burden – The average lifetime cost of a spinal cord injury can range from $1.5 million to $5 million (National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, 2022).

How LawMD’s Doctor-Lawyers Can Help

At LawMD, our doctor-lawyers have the medical and legal expertise needed to fight for victims of spinal cord injury malpractice. Our unique advantage allows us to:

• Analyze medical records more effectively than traditional attorneys.
• Identify medical errors that others might miss.
• Consult medical experts within our own team.
• Build a stronger case for maximum compensation.

What Compensation Can You Receive for a Spinal Cord Injury?

If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury due to medical negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses – Past, present, and future costs related to your injury.
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity – If you are unable to work.
• Pain and suffering – Physical and emotional distress caused by the injury.
• Rehabilitation costs – Physical therapy, home modifications, and assistive devices.
• Loss of quality of life – Compensation for permanent disability.

Steps to Take If You Suspect Medical Negligence

If you believe medical malpractice caused a spinal cord injury, follow these steps:

1. Request Medical Records – These records will help identify potential errors.
2. Document Symptoms and Changes – Keep track of mobility issues, pain levels, and medical visits.
3. Consult an Experienced Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer – A legal expert can help determine if you have a valid claim.
4. File a Claim – If negligence is proven, you may be eligible for significant compensation.

At LawMD, we offer free consultations to evaluate your case and discuss your legal options.

Get the Justice You Deserve with LawMD

A spinal cord injury can change your life forever. If medical negligence played a role, you deserve justice. Contact LawMD today for a free case evaluation. With our team of doctor-lawyers, we have the expertise to fight for the compensation you deserve.