Injuries to the spinal cord can cause loss of movement, strength, function, and sensation. When a healthcare provider suspects a person suffered such injuries, they must take immediate measures to stabilize them; otherwise, the harm may be exacerbated. Tragically, though, treatment providers often fail to take the steps necessary to protect the health of patients with spinal cord injuries, and their oversights cause permanent deficits. If you were injured by a healthcare provider’s malpractice in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal cord injuries, you may be able to pursue claims against them in a civil lawsuit, and you should speak to an attorney. At Arfaa Law Group, our seasoned Baltimore medical malpractice attorneys are sensitive to the devastation caused by preventable medical errors, and if we represent you, we will work tirelessly to help you seek a just outcome.
Malpractice in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Spinal Cord InjuriesMost spinal cord injuries arise out of blunt force trauma, which can be caused by a motor vehicle accident, fall, or sports injury. Acts of violence, including gunshot and stab wounds, can penetrate the spinal column and damage the spinal cord as well.
The complexity of spinal cord injuries requires prompt action to prevent further harm. Malpractice in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal cord injuries can have devastating consequences, as it often leads to permanent disability, severe pain, and, in some instances, death. For example, a misdiagnosis or improper treatment can intensify the injury, potentially causing irreversible damage to the nervous system. Moreover, inadequate postoperative care and rehabilitation can hinder recovery.
Recovering Damages for Malpractice in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Spinal Cord InjuriesSeveral factors can bring about malpractice in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal cord injuries, including misinterpretation of imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans, failure to recognize symptoms indicative of spinal cord damage, or delayed surgical intervention when urgent care is required. Regardless of the precise set of facts that led to such malpractice, the root cause is typically carelessness. Therefore, people harmed by such reckless acts will typically pursue negligence claims against the providers responsible for their harm.
Under Maryland law, a plaintiff alleging a defendant was negligent in the setting of medical care must show that the defendant had a duty to provide treatment that comported with the standard of care and that the defendant breached the duty owed. The standard of care that applies is what a competent doctor in the same field as the defendant would do when presented with the same scenario.
In most cases, the plaintiff will need expert testimony to clarify what is required under the standard of care and to explain the manner in which the defendant departed from the standard.
The plaintiff then has to demonstrate that by breaching the standard of care, the defendant caused the plaintiff actual harm. This means that the plaintiff has to prove that, if not for the defendant’s deviation from the standard, they would not have sustained the losses in question. This generally requires expert testimony as well.
If a plaintiff shows the defendant’s fault, they may be awarded compensation for the cost of any past medical care and treatment that they will need in the future, as well as lost wages and out-of-pocket expenses. They may also be granted damages for the mental and emotional trauma, pain, and suffering they endured.
Consult a Dedicated Baltimore AttorneyMalpractice in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal cord injuries can cause lifelong impairments, and doctors who make such critical errors should be held accountable. If you were hurt by the negligence of a physician, it is in your best interest to consult an attorney about what damages you may be owed. The dedicated Baltimore medical malpractice lawyers of Arfaa Law Group possess the skills and knowledge needed to obtain favorable outcomes in claims against careless treatment providers, and if we represent you, we will diligently pursue any compensation available. We have an office in Baltimore, and we often represent people in medical malpractice cases throughout the city. You can contact us at 410-889-1850 or through our online form to set up a meeting.