Spinal cord injuries can be devastating, altering the lives of victims and their families forever. In Michigan, as in many other states, medical malpractice can sometimes be a leading cause of such injuries. When healthcare professionals fail to meet the standard of care, it can result in catastrophic consequences for patients. In this blog post, we will explore spinal cord injuries, their causes, and how individuals in Michigan can seek compensation through medical malpractice claims.

What is a Spinal Cord Injury?

A spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord, disrupting the normal communication between the brain and the rest of the body. These injuries can be caused by various factors, including accidents, falls, sports-related incidents, and, unfortunately, medical errors. The severity of SCIs can vary, from partial loss of function to complete paralysis, depending on the location and extent of the damage.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Medical Settings:

• Surgical Errors:
  • Incorrectly performed surgeries
  • Instruments left inside the body
  • Damage during spinal surgeries
• Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis:
  • Failure to diagnose and treat conditions that put the spine at risk
  • Delayed diagnosis leading to complications
• Medication errors:
  • Improper administration of spinal or epidural medication

Proving Medical Malpractice in Spinal Cord Injury Cases:

To pursue a medical malpractice claim in Michigan, several key elements must be established:

• Duty of Care: The healthcare provider owed the patient a duty of care, meaning they had a responsibility to provide appropriate medical treatment.
• Breach of Standard of Care: It must be demonstrated that the healthcare provider breached the standard of care by failing to act as a reasonable healthcare provider would act in the same or similar circumstance.
• Causation: It must be proven that the breach of the standard of care directly caused the spinal cord injury.
• Damages: May include medical expenses, need for future medical and attendant care, loss of household services, lost wages and loss of future earning capacity, pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Seeking Compensation in Michigan:

Michigan has specific laws and procedures governing medical malpractice claims. Victims of spinal cord injuries should consider the following steps:

• Consult an Attorney: The attorneys at Hoffer & Sheremet PLC exclusively practice malpractice law, making them leading experts in the field. We will review your case and may hire experts to determine whether there was a standard of care violation that caused your injury.
• Filing a Lawsuit: If experts support your case, we will issue a Notice of Intent, and then filed your lawsuit after the mandatory 182-day waiting period.
• Settlement or Trial: Medical malpractice cases can be settled or proceed to trial, depending on the circumstances.
• Compensation: If successful, you may be awarded compensation for medical bills, lost income, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and more.

Spinal cord injuries can have life-altering consequences, and when they result from medical malpractice, victims have the right to seek justice. In Michigan, pursuing a medical malpractice claim can be complex, but with the help of a skilled attorney, victims can hold negligent healthcare providers accountable and obtain the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to medical malpractice in Michigan, don’t hesitate to seek legal guidance to protect your rights and future.

If you think your doctor, hospital or other healthcare provider made a mistake, you’ll want to work with the best medical malpractice lawyers in Michigan. To get started, call our medical malpractice lawyers at 616-278-0888, complete our free consultation form, or send us an email. Many times, we can tell you if you have a valid claim in our initial phone consultation. No appointment is necessary for an initial phone consultation.