Common Causes of Paralysis as a Result of Medical Malpractice

Paralysis is one of the most devastating diagnoses a person can receive, with adverse consequences on all aspects of the injury victim’s life, including their mobility, independence, earning capability, and personal life. When the paralysis occurred as the result of medical malpractice under the hands of a doctor you trusted with your care, it compounds the trauma.

A Chicago personal injury lawyer can help you recover the compensation you deserve through a well-executed legal strategy based on the unique circumstances of your case.

What Types of Chicago Medical Malpractice Cause Paralysis?

Since most patients do not have medical degrees, they place their lives in the hands of medical providers when they need care for an injury or medical condition. Unfortunately, sometimes medical providers fail to follow accepted care standards or make errors, and the result is serious harm to a patient, including paralysis.

The most common types of medical malpractice that result in the patient’s paralysis include the following:

• Surgical mistakes during back or neck surgeries involving the spinal column
• Improper positioning during surgery
• Nerve damage caused by improper epidural insertion
• Delayed diagnosis of nerve injuries or infections in the spinal cord
• Inadequate post-surgical care and infection in the spinal column
• Medication mistakes causing strokes
• Anesthesia errors
• Improper use of forceps and vacuum extractors during labor and delivery
• Failure to properly stabilize an accident victim’s spine during emergency transportation

According to a medical research study, most surgeons who specialize in spinal column surgeries experience at least one medical malpractice lawsuit.

When Is a Medical Provider Liable for Damages In a Paralysis Medical Malpractice Claim?

Proving medical malpractice in Chicago requires compelling evidence showing that the case meets the following legal standards of medical malpractice:

• A doctor-patient relationship was established at the time the malpractice occurred
• The at-fault party owed a duty of care to treat the patient at the medical community’s accepted care standard
• They breached this duty of care through medical negligence
• The breach of duty directly caused the injury (paralysis)
• The injury victim experienced economic damages from the injury, as well as physical pain and suffering

Evidence proving liability in medical malpractice claims often includes the complete medical record and the physician’s notes from the facility where the malpractice occurred, imaging tests from before and after the malpractice incident, and medical expert testimony.

Damages in Paralysis Medical Malpractice Claims

Paralysis is not only one of the most debilitating conditions, but it also causes additional medical conditions and lifelong expenses. According to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, injury-related expenses for a paralysis injury in the first year range from $347,484 to $1,064,716, depending on the height of the injury on the spinal cord and the resulting level of paralysis.

Common damages awarded in medical malpractice claims for paralysis include:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Costs for mobility equipment and adaptive equipment for the home and car
• Physical therapy costs
• Home health assistance costs
• Diminished earning ability
• Catastrophic injury compensation
• Compensation for pain, suffering, depression, PTSD, anxiety, and loss of consortium.

A Chicago medical malpractice attorney consults with medical experts and occupational therapists to make a comprehensive list of your total lifelong damages to make a compelling claim for the maximum compensation available in a medical malpractice paralysis case.