Nerve Damage

Surgical Errors: Medical Malpractice with the Baltimore Nerve Damage Lawyer

Understanding Nerve Injuries

Nerve injuries, often resulting from surgical errors, can have devastating consequences for patients. Nerves are crucial components of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting signals between the brain, spinal cord, and also other parts of the body. These signals specifically control movement, sensation, and various bodily functions. If a surgical error has injured you, then you may have a medical malpractice claim. You may need the Baltimore nerve damage lawyer at the Kopec Law Firm.

Anatomy of Nerves

• Peripheral Nervous System: This system consists of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. It is further divided into the somatic nervous system (controlling voluntary movement) and the autonomic nervous system (regulating involuntary functions like heart rate and digestion).
• Nerve Structure: Nerves are composed of bundles of nerve fibers, called axons. These axons are surrounded by a protective layer called the myelin sheath. The myelin sheath insulates the axons, allowing electrical signals to travel efficiently.

Common Surgical Procedures that Can Injure Nerves

Nerve injuries can occur in various surgical procedures, including:

• Spine Surgery: Procedures such as laminectomy, discectomy, and spinal fusion can damage nerves in the spinal canal.
• Limb Surgery: Amputations, joint replacements, and fracture repairs can lead to nerve injuries in the arms or legs.
• Thoracic Surgery: Procedures involving the chest, such as lung resection or heart surgery, can injure nerves in the thoracic region.
• Facial Surgery: Facial reconstruction or cosmetic procedures can damage nerves in the face, leading to facial paralysis or sensory loss.

How Surgery Injures Nerves

Nerve injuries can occur in several ways:

• Direct Trauma: The surgeon may accidentally cut or crush a nerve during the procedure.
• Iatrogenic Nerve Injury: This occurs when a nerve is damaged as a result of a medical treatment, such as surgery.
• Stretching or Compression: Nerves can be stretched or compressed by swelling, scar tissue, or other factors during or after surgery.
• Hematoma Formation: A blood clot (hematoma) can form near a nerve, compressing it and causing damage.

Symptoms of Nerve Injuries

Symptoms of nerve injuries can vary depending on the location and severity of the damage. Common symptoms include:

• Pain: Sharp, shooting, or burning pain in the affected area.
• Numbness or Tingling: Loss of sensation in the area supplied by the damaged nerve.
• Weakness: Difficulty moving muscles controlled by the damaged nerve.
• Muscle Atrophy: Wasting of muscles due to lack of use.
• Loss of Reflexes: Decreased or absent reflexes in the affected area.

Treatment and Recovery

Treatment for nerve injuries depends on the severity of the damage and the underlying cause. Options may include:

• Observation: In some cases, minor nerve injuries may heal on their own with time.
• Medications: Pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs can help manage symptoms.
• Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation exercises can help improve muscle function and prevent contractures.
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair the damaged nerve or relieve pressure on it.

Medical Malpractice Claims with the Baltimore Nerve Damage Lawyer

When a nerve injury occurs as a result of a surgeon’s negligence, it may constitute medical malpractice. To establish a medical malpractice claim, a patient must prove the following elements:

• Duty of Care: Firstly, the surgeon had a legal duty to provide reasonable care to the patient.
• Breach of Duty: The surgeon failed to meet the standard of care expected of a reasonably skilled and careful surgeon in the same field.
• Causation: Additionally, the surgeon’s negligence directly caused the nerve injury.
• Damages: Lastly, the patient suffered harm as a result of the nerve injury.

Next Step: Call the Baltimore Nerve Damage Lawyer

If you believe you have been a victim of surgical errors resulting in nerve injuries, then it is crucial to consult with a medical malpractice attorney. We can help you understand your legal rights and pursue compensation for your damages.

Visit our free consultation page or video. Then contact the Kopec Law Firm at 800-604-0704 to speak directly with Attorney Mark Kopec. He is a top-rated Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer. The Kopec Law Firm is in Baltimore and pursues cases throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C.