Published by Arfaa Law Group
If you or someone close to you has been harmed by a medical mistake, we can help. At Arfaa Law Group, our Baltimore medical malpractice attorneys can zealously advocate for you in virtually all types of medical malpractice claims, including spinal epidural abscess cases. We understand that these mistakes can result in significant and long-term injuries for the patient.
A spinal epidural abscess is a disorder caused by an infection in the area between the bones or discs of the spine. The infection is caused by bacteria or fungus, typically after a surgical procedure. As a result, it may be present in patients with a history of back surgery or other procedures involving the spine. Symptoms may include fever, back pain, bowel or bladder incontinence, and pain at the surgery site.
Failing to recognize the condition of epidural abscess may result in a serious spinal cord injury, such as partial quadriplegia. This is why a failure to diagnose a spinal abscess may form the basis of a medical malpractice lawsuit. This is because, in many cases, the infection could have been controlled, and the ultimate harm could have been prevented with proper treatment. Put another way, timely diagnosis is critical to prevent long-term harm.
Medical professionals are trained to identify a spinal epidural abscess when the patient shows symptoms that could cause a reasonable physician to be put on alert for the condition. There are certain tests that can be used to diagnose it. In fact, there are clear clinical markers that can assist a physician in verifying whether or not the patient is at serious risk of suffering a spinal epidural abscess. When a medical professional fails to diagnose or misdiagnoses a spinal epidural abscess, a medical malpractice suit may be appropriate.
Medical malpractice is another way of saying medical negligence. When a patient files this type of claim, he or she is alleging that the harm suffered was a direct result of the medical professional not adhering to the standard of care to which another medical professional in the same specialty would have adhered under the same circumstances. In other words, the patient is claiming that the medical professional’s failure to use reasonable care was a direct cause of his or her injury.
Once malpractice is established, the plaintiff can seek both economic and non-economic damages under Maryland law. The exact amount of compensation a plaintiff will be able to receive will vary from case to case, depending on the nature and extent of the injury suffered. It is important to note that in Maryland, most meritorious medical malpractice cases reach an out-of-court settlement, and the matter never even goes to trial.
At Arfaa Law Group, our Baltimore medical negligence attorneys can handle your spinal epidural abscess case with the utmost diligence. With years of experience, we understand the nuances of Maryland medical malpractice law. We understand that medical malpractice lawsuits can be daunting, but you can rest assured that we are here to answer your questions at every step of the way. We represent clients statewide. To learn more, call 410-889-1850 or contact us online.
More Blog Posts:
Maryland Rejects “Loss of Chance” Doctrine in Wrongful Death Cases
Maryland Court Holds Expert Witness Needed in Medical Malpractice Case – Hannon v. Mercy