When Medical Negligence Leads to Paralysis

Some mistakes carry a lifetime of loss and complications. Whether it is a lack of treatment or the wrong procedure, there are many instances in which medical negligence can lead to paralysis, perhaps one of the most challenging forms of medical malpractice.

At Bailey & Greer, PLLC, our dedicated team of medical malpractice attorneys in Little Rock, AK, can help you get the justice you deserve after medical malpractice causes you paralysis.

What is paralysis?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, paralysis “occurs when you’re unable to make voluntary muscle movements. A nervous system problem causes paralysis.” Paralysis happens when the connection between the brain and the muscles along the nerve pathway is damaged in some way. There are several types of paralysis, including:

• Monoplegia, one limb paralyzed
• Hemiplegia, one arm, and leg on the same side of the body is paralyzed
• Paraplegia, both legs are paralyzed
• Quadriplegia, both arms and legs are paralyzed

Paralysis can occur to various degrees, sometimes resulting in the inability to walk or perform daily activities and functions. Other degrees may lead to numbness or tingling in an area of the body that does not improve.

What causes paralysis in medicine?

There are various causes of paralysis, but often, these key areas can be linked to medical negligence:

• Birth mistakes: A person who is born with paralysis may not have suffered any injury prior to birth, but birth mistakes, such as the use of forceps or improper delivery techniques, cause damage.
• Surgical-related mistakes: There are some situations where the nerve network is damaged due to mistakes made during surgery. This damage to the brain or spine leads to a permanent loss of function in an area of the body.
• Failure to diagnose: Diagnostic errors can and do lead to paralysis. For example, the failure to diagnose, or the misdiagnosis of, Cauda Equina Syndrome can lead to more extensive nerve damage, which can be permanent. The failure to recognize the signs of ischemic stroke (and the failure to provide proper treatment immediately) can also lead to partial paralysis.
• Medication errors: The greatest risk is with anesthesia. If patients receive too much anesthesia, they can suffer from oxygen deprivation. Certain prescription medications can cause seizures, increasing the risk of “Todd paresis” or “Todd’s paralysis,” a type of temporary paralysis that can last from seconds to hours.

In many of these situations, the damage is permanent. There are ways that may improve function in a paralysis case, but the losses occurring will exist to some degree. Fighting medical malpractice is critical as it could help you to obtain the support you need.

Why seeking compensation for paralysis is vital

If you or a loved one are experiencing paralysis due to medical negligence, you are likely facing a great amount of medical bills and financial setbacks. There are additional losses you must also take into consideration. By filing a medical malpractice lawsuit, it may be possible to recover financial compensation that could help ease your suffering. This compensation can help with:

• Any bills and medical expenses you’ve already gained;
• Purchasing adaptive equipment and devices;
• Ongoing medical care and health support;
• Changes to your home’s floor plan to accommodate limitations or new equipment;
• Advanced medical care or ongoing medical support, which may be necessary for the rest of your life;
• Loss of ability to work or do the things you enjoy; and
• The inability to enjoy your life the way you did.

With so many potential losses and changes in your care needs, it is critical to seek compensation when someone else has caused your losses.

Bailey & Greer, PLLC will fight for full compensation for you if you suffer paralysis as the result of medical negligence. In Arkansas, there is no cap on the damages you can receive in a medical malpractice case, and we will exhaust all options to get you the highest level of compensation possible. Call our Little Rock office or submit our contact form now to discuss your case with an experienced paralysis injury attorney now.