Facing surgery is difficult enough, but when something goes wrong in the operating room, the outcome can change the course of a patient’s life. Among the most devastating results are spinal cord injuries. These injuries may lead to partial or total paralysis, chronic pain, or a lifetime of dependence on medical care.
For generations, families across Alabama have turned to Hare Wynn after surgical mistakes changed their lives. Our medical malpractice attorneys combine experience with compassion, helping clients understand their legal rights and move forward with confidence.
How Surgical Errors Damage the Spinal Cord
Some of the most common surgical mistakes linked to spinal cord injuries include:
- Improper surgical technique – Even small missteps near the spine can damage delicate nerves or tissue.
- Anesthesia errors – Too much or too little anesthesia, or failure to monitor oxygen levels, may cut off blood flow to the spinal cord.
- Failure to monitor during and after surgery – Missed signs of bleeding, swelling, or oxygen deprivation can lead to permanent damage.
- Post-surgical neglect – Failing to recognize infections or complications in time to treat them.
When these errors occur, the impact can be life-changing. An experienced medical malpractice attorney can work with medical experts to evaluate whether negligence was involved.
The Lifelong Impact of Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord controls movement, sensation, and many automatic bodily functions. Damage during surgery can create ripple effects for the rest of a patient’s life:
- Loss of mobility or independence.
- Need for wheelchairs, braces, or adaptive devices.
- Emotional strain from adjusting to a new reality.
- Ongoing costs for medical care, rehabilitation, and home modifications.
Families often bear much of this burden, becoming caregivers while also facing financial strain from lost income and rising expenses. Pursuing a malpractice claim can provide the resources needed to manage these challenges and hold negligent providers accountable.
Why Spinal Cord Malpractice Cases Are Complex
Spinal cord injury lawsuits in Alabama require blending two worlds: medicine and law. To succeed, a claimant must prove that:
- A provider-patient relationship existed.
- The provider failed to meet the standard of care.
- That failure directly caused the injury.
- The patient suffered measurable damages.
Meeting these requirements often demands expert testimony. Neurologists, surgeons, and rehabilitation specialists may be called on to explain how the injury occurred and what it means for the patient’s future. At the same time, defense teams for hospitals and insurers usually work aggressively to deny responsibility. That’s why working with an attorney experienced in malpractice litigation is so important.
Alabama Law and Deadlines
Like other malpractice claims, spinal cord injury cases fall under the Alabama Medical Liability Act. Understanding the applicable rules can be overwhelming while also coping with the realities of a spinal cord injury. Guidance from a lawyer who knows Alabama’s malpractice laws can make the process more manageable.
Why Accountability Matters
These lawsuits are not only about financial recovery. They also send a clear message that preventable medical errors cannot be ignored. By holding negligent providers accountable, families may help prevent similar harm from happening to others.
At Hare Wynn, our attorneys have been representing Alabama families for more than 135 years. We bring together legal skill, medical knowledge, and compassion for clients whose lives have been upended by malpractice.
Talk to a Spinal Cord Malpractice Lawyer in Alabama
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury because of a surgical mistake, you do not have to face the future alone. The medical malpractice team at Hare Wynn can review your case, explain your options, and guide you through each step toward justice.
Contact us today to share your story and take the first step toward recovery.
