If you or someone you love had to undergo spinal fusion surgery, you know how scary the prospect can be. Though spinal fusion surgery is relatively common, it is still a major surgery that comes with risks. Unfortunately, you could experience common problems after a spinal fusion. If you do, and if you believe someone else is responsible for the issues you’re having, you could be eligible for compensation.
To determine if you have a case, you can contact a lawyer to assess the situation. Morgan & Morgan can help. We’ve been handling these types of cases for decades and have recovered billions of dollars for our clients. Let us help you get the justice you deserve so that you can focus on what matters most—getting well and moving forward with your life.
Contact Morgan & Morgan to schedule a free case evaluation today.
Potential Problems After a Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure in which two or more vertebrae are fused together to improve stability, correct deformities, or relieve pain. It is a delicate procedure that requires skilled surgeons and medical professionals to ensure the safety and well-being of the patient. However, not all spinal fusion procedures are successful or error-free. Some patients suffer from common problems after spinal fusion, which can be attributed to medical malpractice, defective products, or a combination of both.
Medical Malpractice After Spinal Fusion
Medical malpractice is one of the common problems after spinal fusion. You may suffer from nerve damage, infection, or hemorrhage due to the negligence of the medical professionals involved in the surgery. Some of the signs of medical malpractice after spinal fusion include severe pain, loss of sensation, loss of bladder or bowel control, or fever.
How to Prove Medical Malpractice
Proving medical malpractice can be challenging, but it is not impossible. You must show that the medical professionals failed to exercise reasonable care, skill, or diligence during the surgery or the post-operative care. You also need to present evidence that this failure was the direct cause of the injury or damage. To do so, you and your lawyer will need to gather medical records, expert opinions, and testimony from witnesses who can attest to any medical professional's negligence. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the legal system, negotiate with insurance companies, and secure compensation for the damages suffered.
Defective Products and How They Cause Spinal Problems in a Spinal Fusion
Defective products can also cause spinal problems after fusion surgery. The medical device used in the surgery may malfunction, break, or migrate to other parts of the body, causing severe pain, inflammation, or infection. You may also suffer from metal toxicity due to the materials used in the device. The manufacturer of the defective product could be liable for the damages caused. An experienced lawyer can help you file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer, distributor, or supplier of the defective product.
Compensation You Can Recover After Spinal Fusion Medical Malpractice or Product Liability
If you have suffered complications after spinal fusion surgery due to medical malpractice or product liability, you may be entitled to compensation. Some of the most common types of damages that can be recovered in medical malpractice and product liability cases include:
- Medical Expenses: This can include follow-up appointments with your surgeon, physical therapy, medication, and prolonged hospital stays, to name a few.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries have prevented you from working, you may be entitled to recover lost wages. This can include the wages you would have earned if you had not been injured, as well as any future lost earnings if your injuries have caused a long-term disability.
- Pain and Suffering: Spinal fusion surgery can be extremely painful and can cause a long-term impact on your quality of life. If your injuries have caused you to experience physical and emotional pain and suffering, you may be entitled to compensation for these damages.
- Punitive Damages: In some cases, the court may award punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages. Punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant for their actions and to deter others from engaging in similar conduct in the future.
- Wrongful Death: In the tragic event that a loved one has died due to medical malpractice or product liability, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages.