A Spinal Epidural Abscess Can Lead To A Personal Injury Claim
Posted on: 17 July 2020
When a doctor fails to diagnose a condition that they should have diagnosed, this is known as medical malpractice. The doctor is negligent and may then be found responsible by a injury. One type of condition that a doctor might fail to diagnose is a spinal epidural abscess. A delayed diagnosis can lead to paralysis and neural damage. If you believe that you are a victim of medical malpractice, contact a personal injury lawyer like Drivon Turner & Waters PLC as soon as possible.
Warning Signs of a Spinal Epidural Abscess
If you are suffering from back pain, this can be one of the first noticeable symptoms of a spinal epidural abscess. The abscess will develop an infection and your body may develop a fever as a result.
Pressure from the abscess can lead to incontinence as the abscess disrupts the ability of the spinal cord to send signals. Bladder and bowel functions might become difficult to control. You may also notice weakness in the legs.
When you turn to your doctor for help with these symptoms, they might fail to perform the necessary tests to find out what might be medically wrong. The symptoms all point to a spinal epidural abscess, but the doctor my give a diagnosis that doesn't fit with these symptoms.
Damages Caused By a Spinal Epidural Abscess
When seeking compensation for this condition, you must calculate the damages you have suffered as a result of the injury. This includes medical expenses and future medical expenses. You may need medical treatments that wouldn't be necessary if your condition had been treated sooner.
Because you may become paralyzed, you may be unable to perform certain tasks. Therefore, you may also be able to sue for lost wages and lost future potential earnings. If you worked a lucrative career that you can no longer continue with, you may be entitled to the diminished wages that you're able to earn now. You may also be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering.
Seeking the Compensation You Deserve
A personal injury attorney will usually have contact with an expert witnesses who can help explain to a jury why your doctor is guilty of medical malpractice by failing to diagnose your condition. The expert witness will explain what a reasonable doctor would have done based on your symptoms and will also explain how the failure to diagnose the condition lead to your injuries. However, you'll want to act quickly before the statute of limitations runs out.
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