A spinal epidural abscess is a serious infection near the spinal cord that can cause paralysis, permanent neurological damage, and death if not diagnosed promptly. Unfortunately, the condition is sometimes overlooked because early symptoms may resemble common back pain or muscle strain.
Our misdiagnosis lawyers in Las Cruces can help you if your condition was misdiagnosed. Call us today to schedule a free consultation to learn more about your rights under New Mexico law.
Why Choose Coates & Johnson, PLLC to Handle Your Spinal Epidural Abscess Case?
Spinal infection malpractice claims demand representation from attorneys who focus exclusively on medical negligence cases and know the law and procedures associated with them.
Injured patients hire Coates & Johnson, PLLC in Las Cruces, NM, because:
- Our firm is dedicated exclusively to representing victims of medical neglect
- One of our attorneys has physician training and knows the practice of law and medicine
- We’ve handled thousands of cases and gotten favorable results for thousands of clients
- We regularly handle the most complex malpractice cases involving common and uncommon conditions
- We’ll go to bat for you at the negotiating table and before a judge to get fair compensation
We’re ready to help you stand up for your rights. Call us today to speak with a Las Cruces medical malpractice attorney during a free consultation.
What is a Spinal Epidural Abscess?
A spinal epidural abscess is a collection of infection that develops near the spinal cord and surrounding tissues.
As the infection expands, it can place dangerous pressure on the spinal cord and nearby nerves, potentially causing permanent neurological damage, paralysis, or other life-threatening complications.
Spinal infections are regularly misdiagnosed due to their similarity to other health conditions. Specifically, spinal epidural abscesses have one of the highest per-disease diagnostic error rates (false negative rate 56%).
Does Having an Attorney Matter in Medical Malpractice Litigation?
Spinal epidural abscess involves a common refrain. Doctors and hospitals typically argue that the condition was too difficult to diagnose or that earlier treatment would not have changed the outcome. Without experienced legal representation, it can be difficult to prove these arguments are false.
An attorney can help investigate and prove what happened by:
- Reviewing emergency room, hospital, and treatment records
- Examining whether MRI imaging or additional testing should have been ordered sooner
- Consulting with spinal surgery, neurology, and infectious disease experts
- Determining whether warning signs of neurological decline were missed or ignored
- Evaluating how the delay affected the patient’s long-term condition and quality of life
- Pursuing financial compensation through settlement negotiations or litigation when necessary
An attorney will lead the charge in getting you the compensation you need for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
Spinal Infection Symptoms That Should Trigger Further Analysis
It’s important for medical providers to recognize symptoms and risk factors of spinal abscesses early on, including but not limited to:
- Severe back pain
- Fever
- Weakness or numbness
- Difficulty walking
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Neurological deficits
- Diabetes
- Recent infections
- IV drug use
- Recent spinal procedures
- Immune system disorders
MRI imaging and laboratory testing are often necessary for accurate diagnosis. Testing delays can allow the spinal cord to compress and cause the health complications mentioned above.
Seeking Accountability for a Spinal Epidural Abscess Misdiagnosis Under New Mexico Law
A spinal epidural abscess is a serious infection that can cause permanent neurological damage if diagnosis and treatment are delayed. When healthcare providers fail to recognize the infection, patients may have a medical malpractice claim for the resulting harm they experience.
Under the New Mexico Medical Malpractice Act, patients generally must prove:
- Failure to Recognize the Condition: The provider failed to appropriately evaluate symptoms such as severe back pain, fever, weakness, numbness, or other neurological abnormalities.
- Breach of the Standard of Care: A reasonably competent provider would have ordered additional testing, but the treating provider failed to do so.
- Causation: The delayed diagnosis allowed the infection to progress, resulting in injuries that likely could have been avoided.
- Damages: The patient suffered losses such as additional medical expenses or other damages.
Patients must also file their claim within three years of the date of the malpractice to have a court hear and preside over the matter.
Contact an Experienced Spinal Epidural Abscess Lawyer for Help
Delayed diagnosis of spinal epidural abscesses can cause the worst health consequences imaginable. If healthcare providers failed to recognize or properly treat your condition, you may have legal options. You should be prepared to exercise them right now by calling Coates & Johnson, PLLC for a free consultation. Our Las Cruces medical malpractice lawyers are here to help you.