Spinal Cord Injuries Caused by Surgical Errors

When Spine Surgery Leads to Permanent Harm

Spine surgery is often performed to relieve pain, restore function, or prevent neurological damage. But when surgical errors occur, the consequences can be devastating.

A mistake during spinal surgery can result in permanent spinal cord injury, including paralysis, loss of sensation, and lifelong disability.

Girards Law represents patients and families affected by catastrophic injuries caused by surgical negligence, including errors during spinal procedures.

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The Spine and Spinal Cord Are Highly Vulnerable

The spinal cord is a delicate structure that carries signals between the brain and the body. During spinal surgery, surgeons operate in extremely close proximity to this structure.

Injury can occur when:

  • The spinal cord is directly contacted or damaged
  • Blood flow to the spinal cord is reduced or interrupted
  • Surgical instruments are misplaced
  • Postoperative complications are not recognized or treated in time

Even minor deviations from proper surgical technique can result in permanent neurological damage.

Preventable Mistakes With Life-Changing Consequences

Spinal cord injuries during surgery are often associated with preventable errors, including:

1. Operating at the Wrong Spinal Level

Performing surgery at the incorrect location exposes the patient to unnecessary risk and may leave the underlying condition untreated.

2. Improper Placement of Hardware or Instruments

Screws, rods, or surgical tools that are incorrectly positioned can:

  • Enter the spinal canal
  • Compress the spinal cord
  • Cause immediate or delayed neurological injury

3. Failure to Monitor Neurological Function

Intraoperative monitoring is often used to detect stress on the spinal cord.

Failure to use monitoring—or failure to respond to warnings—can allow preventable injury to occur.

4. Excessive Retraction or Pressure

Improper technique can place sustained pressure on the spinal cord, leading to permanent damage.

5. Failure to Maintain Blood Flow

The spinal cord depends on adequate blood supply. Reduced circulation during surgery can result in ischemic injury.

6. Failure to Recognize Postoperative Complications

After surgery, complications such as:

  • Bleeding (hematoma)
  • Swelling
  • Infection

can compress the spinal cord if not treated promptly.

The Consequences Are Often Permanent

Spinal cord injuries caused by surgical errors may include:

  • Paraplegia (loss of function in the lower body)
  • Quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs)
  • Loss of sensation
  • Chronic pain
  • Loss of bowel or bladder control

These injuries frequently require:

  • Long-term medical care
  • Rehabilitation
  • Assistive devices
  • Home modifications

Not Every Complication Is Negligence—But Many Are Preventable

Spinal surgery carries inherent risks. However, malpractice may occur when the injury results from:

  • A deviation from accepted medical standards
  • Improper surgical technique
  • Inadequate planning or execution
  • Failure to respond appropriately to complications

Evaluating these cases requires detailed analysis of both medical records and surgical practices.

Establishing Liability Requires Technical Evidence

A claim involving spinal surgery error generally requires proof of:

  1. A duty of care owed by the healthcare provider
  2. A breach of that duty
  3. A causal link between the breach and the injury
  4. Resulting damages

Evidence may include:

  • Operative reports
  • Imaging studies
  • Expert testimony
  • Hospital policies and procedures

The Full Impact Must Be Evaluated

Spinal cord injury cases often involve substantial damages, including:

Economic Damages

  • Medical expenses
  • Rehabilitation and therapy
  • Long-term care needs
  • Loss of earning capacity

Non-Economic Damages

  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of independence
  • Reduced quality of life

Early Investigation Is Critical

You should consider seeking legal guidance if:

  • There was unexpected paralysis or neurological decline after surgery
  • Symptoms worsened following the procedure
  • Complications were not promptly addressed
  • You were not adequately informed of risks

Early action helps preserve important evidence and clarify what occurred.

Related Spinal Cord Injury Cases:

Speak With a Spinal Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury after spinal surgery, you may have legal options.

We offer a confidential, no-cost consultation to evaluate your case.

Call 833-5GIRARDS
Or contact us online at our Contact Page

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