The last thing that anybody should have to worry about when they are undergoing a medical procedure is that they will sustain a spinal cord injury. However, medical mistakes are not uncommon in the US. Unfortunately, there are various medical errors that can cause tremendous spinal cord damage. At Kurzban, Kurzban, Tetzeli, and Pratt P.A., our Hawaii catastrophic injury attorneys want to discuss how a medical error can cause a spinal cord injury and what you can do if you or a loved one has been injured.
How Can A Medical Mistake Cause A Spinal Cord Injury?
According to data available from the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), we can see that there are approximately 18,000 new spinal cord injury cases each year across the US. Currently, anywhere from 250,000 to 363,000 people are living with spinal cord injuries in this country. While the overwhelming causes of spinal cord injuries involve vehicle accidents, falls, and violence, data indicates that around 4% to 5% of all spinal cord injuries occur due to medical or surgical mistakes.
Some of the most common ways that medical malpractice can cause a spinal cord injury include:
- Emergency room errors. If a spinal cord fracture is misdiagnosed during emergency room care, this can lead to a worsening or permanent injury for the victim. Misdiagnosis of this magnitude could lead to a failure to properly immobilize a person’s neck and head.
- Surgery mistakes. Surgery on or around the spinal cord is incredibly delicate, and patients must be positioned correctly and monitored properly throughout the entirety of the procedure.
- Anesthesia mistakes. Mistakes made during the anesthesia process can result in a patient being delivered too little of a drug and possibly moving during the procedure. Any patient under anesthesia must also be monitored by trained anesthesiologists during the entire procedure.
- Chiropractic malpractice. Chiropractic treatment involves manipulating the spine and neck. If a chiropractor fails to take proper care when they are making adjustments, a person can be left with permanent spinal cord injuries.
The Costs Of A Spinal Cord Injury
Data from the NSCISC shows that the first year of medical care for a spinal cord injury can range from $368,000 to more than $1.1 million, depending on the severity of the injury. However, spinal cord injury victims who experience paralysis will be left with ongoing medical and out-of-pocket expenses to accommodate their needs. Annual medical costs for a person with a spinal cord injury range from $44,000 to more than $200,000.
Let Us Help You Through This
If you or somebody you love has sustained a spinal cord injury that was caused by the careless or negligent actions of a medical professional, contact an attorney as soon as possible. At Kurzban, Kurzban, Tetzeli, and Pratt P.A., we have extensive experience handling medical malpractice and catastrophic injury cases, and we are ready to help you through this. Our goal is to ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to, which can include:
- Coverage of your medical expenses
- Lost income if you are unable to work
- General household out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of personal enjoyment images
When you need a Hawaii spinal cord injury attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 808-736-5035.