An epidural abscess is a rare but often deadly condition that requires immediate medical attention. If you suffered harm because your physician caused your epidural abscess or failed to treat your condition properly, you need to contact a skilled Rochester medical malpractice lawyer who understands this area of law. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers, we are committed to fighting for your rights at every step of the way. Time is of the essence in these cases, so it is important to act quickly.
Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) disorder is caused by an infection in the area between the bones or discs of the spine, caused by bacteria or fungus. The bacteria or fungus multiplies, creating a large pocket of pus and fluid in the spinal column. The infection generally develops after a surgical procedure. The condition can lead to serious nerve damage. In the most severe cases, epidural abscess can lead to chronic back pain, loss of bladder control, pain at the surgery site, and even permanent paralysis. SEA is a neurosurgical emergency, since any delay in diagnosing SEA can lead to permanent neurologic deficits and even death. If a medical professional fails to identify signs and symptoms of an epidural abscess, the patient can suffer serious and long-term injuries. If the infection is caught, however, it can be contained and potentially prevented to some extent.
Under New York law, medical malpractice happens when a medical professional causes an injury or death by failing to use the level of care that another medical professional in the same specialty would have used under the same or similar circumstances. In malpractice cases, the judge will consider if an equally qualified and competent medical professional would have acted the same way or made the same decisions in the same situation. If the answer is no, the next question will be whether the patient’s injury was a direct result of the medical professional’s conduct. If the answer is yes, the medical professional will likely be liable for malpractice. In short, if a doctor’s substandard care caused a patient’s injury, the doctor will be liable.
As in any other state, victims of medical malpractice in New York have a limited time to file their malpractice claims. This time frame is known as the statute of limitations. In New York, patients generally have two years and six months from the alleged malpractice to file a lawsuit in civil court. There may be certain, limited exceptions that apply in your case. We can examine the facts of your case to determine if any exceptions would be applicable.
If you or a loved one suffered a severe injury or death due to a late or missed diagnosis of a spinal epidural abscess, you need to reach out to a seasoned Rochester misdiagnosis attorney without delay. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers, we have successfully resolved many malpractice claims and can help you resolve yours as well. We believe in getting our clients the compensation they deserve for the harm that they suffered. For a free case evaluation, call us at 315-479-9000, or you can reach us online.
More Blog Posts:
Hospital Falls in Rochester, Rochester Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury Blog, January 12, 2017
Ophthalmologist Negligence in Rochester and Across New York, Rochester Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury Blog, January 5, 2017
Informed Consent Malpractice in Rochester and New York, Rochester Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury Blog, December 28, 2017