The spinal column is one of the most crucial parts of the human body. A human spine is very complex and is made up of 33 individual bones stacked vertically. As a person ages, some of these bones can begin to deteriorate. Consequently, spinal surgeries are fairly common in Delaware and across the country. However, surgical errors during these procedures can result in excruciating pain and permanent disabilities.
In another state, a man filed a lawsuit against a surgeon after suffering permanent injuries during spinal surgery. The man said he visited the surgeon to discuss options for surgery on a disc in the upper part of his back known as the thoracic spine. Apparently, disc surgeries in this region of the spine are rare, but the man claims that the surgeon led him to believe that he was experienced in the procedure.
According to the lawsuit, surgeries of this type are performed from the sides rather than from the back to reduce the likelihood of injuring the spinal cord. However, the lawsuit alleged that this surgeon went in through the plaintiff’s back and caused permanent injuries to his spine. The plaintiff also alleges that the surgeon failed to properly drain the surgical site, which created a hematoma, then waited nearly six hours before evacuating the hematoma. The plaintiff is seeking compensatory damages for his injuries and suffering.
Patients who undergo any type of surgery place enormous trust in the hands of their doctors. It is troubling when preventable surgical errors ruin the lives of patients and families. By contacting a knowledgeable attorney, Delaware families who have been affected by negligence can work toward obtaining compensation that they rightfully deserve.