Spinal Cord Injury – When Medical Negligence has serious consequences
Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are among the most devastating medical conditions, often resulting in permanent disability, chronic pain, and profound lifestyle changes. When such an injury is caused, not by accident or illness, but by medical negligence, the consequences can be even more harrowing. Victims and their families are not only left with have to cope with the physical and emotional impact, they are also left trying to seek answers and justice for what has happened to them.
Understanding Spinal Cord Injury
The spinal cord is a vital part of the central nervous system, transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body. Damage to the spinal cord can disrupt these signals, leading to partial or complete loss of motor control and sensation below the site of injury. Depending on the severity and location, a person may experience paraplegia, quadriplegia, or other neurological deficits.
How Medical Negligence Can Cause Spinal Cord Injuries
Medical negligence refers to a breach in the duty of care owed by a healthcare provider to a patient, that results in them suffering harm that they would otherwise not have suffered.
Common causes of spinal cord injuries due to medical negligence:
In the context of spinal cord injuries, negligence may occur in a variety of ways, including:
- Surgical errors: Mistakes during spinal or orthopaedic surgery, such as improper use of surgical instruments or failure to monitor spinal cord function, which can result in direct trauma to the spinal cord.
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis: Failure to diagnose conditions like spinal abscesses, tumours, or herniated discs in time may lead to progressive spinal cord damage.
- Anaesthetic errors: Incorrect placement of epidural or spinal anaesthesia can injure the cord or its surrounding structures.
- Improper handling or positioning: Inadequate care during patient transfers or positioning, particularly involving patients with pre-existing back problems, can exacerbate or cause spinal injuries.
- Failure to treat post-operative complications: Infections, bleeding, or swelling around the spinal cord must be promptly addressed to prevent permanent damage.
The Wider Impact of Spinal Cord Injuries
The impact of spinal cord injuries reaches far beyond physical limitations. Victims often face lifelong dependency, psychological trauma, and social isolation. Families often become carers, and so their lives, and often finances, are also affected.
Seeking Compensation and Support After Medical Negligence
Whilst no amount of compensation can make up for what has happened, it can help to provide the financial support necessary for care packages to be put in place, whether that be in the short term or for the rest of the person’s life.
Contact our Medical Negligence Solicitors Today
If you or a loved one have experienced a spinal cord injury due to suspected medical negligence please seek the answers you deserve and telephone our experienced medical negligence team on 0800 987 8800 or make a free online enquiry here and we will contact you. Alternatively, email us at [email protected].
Medical Negligence Specialists – Bridge McFarland LLP
medicalnegligence.co.uk is owned and operated by Bridge McFarland LLP, an established and nationally recognised law firm renowned for specialist expertise and experience in this complex area of law. With our determination and commitment to providing our clients with an exceptional standard of service, we have held the highly regarded Lexcel quality mark since June 2008.
Further Reading and Useful Resources
If you found this article helpful, you may also be interested in in the following guides and resources. Our medical negligence team are dedicated to providing specialist advice and support to families affected by spinal injuries and medical negligence. When things don’t go right with your medical treatment, we are here to help you get the answers you deserve and the compensation you need to get your life back on track.
Related Articles and Resources from Bridge McFarland LLP
How to make a medical negligence claim
What do you do if something goes wrong within healthcare?
Useful Resources
Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) – National Support and information for those affected by spinal injuries.
If you have any questions or need further advice, please get in touch with our experienced medical negligence solicitors today.
