Spinal cord stimulators are a popular form of treatment to manage chronic pain in patients. However, there are a number of risks associated with the use of spinal cord stimulators. If a doctor fails to consider the risks of spinal cord stimulators for a patient, they could be held liable for a severe or life-threatening injury. If you or a family member was injured by a spinal cord stimulator, consult with an experienced Baltimore spinal cord stimulator complications attorney.
At Bennett & Heyman, we are committed to representing clients that received poor medical treatment due to the negligent actions of a doctor or hospital. A malfunction of a spinal cord stimulator can leave a person severely injured, and we are here to offer the legal representation needed to pursue compensation for these injuries. You do not have to fight your case alone, contact Bennett & Heyman at (410) 429-7856. You may also contact the firm online.
How Spinal Cord Stimulators Work
Chronic pain can disrupt many aspects of a person’s life. A person that experiences chronic pain may be less efficient at work or may find even their favorite activities more difficult to perform. This can lead to many other health issues due to stagnation and decreased physical activity.
Normally, medical practitioners would prescribe a patient with opioids or other similar drugs in order to manage chronic pain. However, the opioid crisis and the possibility of a person becoming hooked on drugs has led to medical practitioners considering other methods for managing chronic pain. As a result, many medical practitioners have encouraged the use of spinal cord stimulators.
A spinal cord stimulator is a device with multiple components that are used to decrease the amount of chronic pain a person can experience through the use of electrical currents. Specifically, electrical currents are used to block pain signals to a person’s brain.
Spinal cord implants are constructed of a generator implant, extension wires, leaders, and a remote to manage the device. Through surgery, the generator implant is placed in the lower back of a patient, and the extension wires are placed in various spots in the spinal cord. Once the implant is complete, a patient can use the remote to alter their level of pain disruption.
To learn more about the risks associated with spinal cord implants, continue reading and speak with an experienced Baltimore medical malpractice attorney today.
Common Injuries Caused by Spinal Cord Stimulators in Baltimore
Thousands of people in the United States have spinal cord stimulators implanted in their bodies to deal with a number of issues. For example, if a person suffered nerve damage in a car accident and experiences a loss of sensation, a spinal cord stimulator can provide a number of benefits. Specifically, a spinal cord stimulator may restore bladder and bowel functionality and can even increase sexual desire.
Despite these benefits, there are still dangers posed by spinal cord stimulators. For example, some patients have reported being severely shocked or burned by the implant in their back. Other common injuries caused by defective spinal cord implants include:
- Decreased motor control
- Infections
- Increased damage to spinal cord nerves
- Loss of sensation
- Muscle weakness
- Partial or full paralysis
This is not a comprehensive list. For some patients, the risk of suffering any of the above injuries is too great in comparison to the possible benefits they may receive when using a spinal cord stimulator. In some cases, a spinal cord stimulator may exacerbate a patient’s condition and leave them with severe or permanent injuries. Our firm could help you explore your legal options if you were injured due to a defective spinal cord stimulator.
Liability for a Defective Spinal Cord Stimulator in Baltimore, MD
If you were injured due to a defective spinal cord stimulator, you are likely wondering who is liable for your injuries. There are multiple parties that could be held liable if a spinal cord stimulator caused a patient a serious injury.
One party that could be held liable is the doctor that suggested the implant to the patient. If a doctor did not consider the risks based on the patient’s unique medical condition, they could be held liable if the device malfunctions. Additionally, if there was an issue with the surgery for the spinal cord stimulator, this could also lead to a medical malpractice lawsuit. For example, if a surgeon incorrectly installed the implant, and it caused the patient to be injured, the surgeon and medical staff could be legally liable for malpractice.
If a negligent doctor was working on behalf of a hospital, the hospital might also be liable via vicarious liability. However, if a doctor was employed as an independent contractor, this could complicate the pursuit of compensation from a hospital.
Additionally, if a spinal cord stimulator malfunctioned, the manufacturer of the stimulator could be also be held liable through a product liability claim.
Determining liability for a spinal cord stimulator injury largely depends on the circumstances of the case. Our firm can help you determine the appropriate legal steps in your potential claim.
Work with Our Experienced Baltimore, MD Spinal Cord Stimulator Complication Lawyer
If you or a family member sustained an injury due to a defective spinal cord stimulator, contact an experienced Baltimore spinal cord stimulator injury lawyer. The medical malpractice lawyers at Bennett & Heyman possess a broad range of experience litigating complex medical injury cases, and we are prepared to use this knowledge to fight for you. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your options, contact Bennett & Heyman at (410) 429-7856.
