If you or a loved one became paralyzed after a medical procedure or hospital stay, you may be wondering whether a preventable error caused it. Quadriplegia can sometimes result from unavoidable complications, but in many cases, it’s caused by medical negligence.
Warning signs that quadriplegia was caused by a medical mistake include a sudden loss of movement with no clear explanation, inconsistent accounts from doctors, or obvious gaps in monitoring or documentation. A Fort Lauderdale medical malpractice lawyer can help you pursue damages.
Signs That Quadriplegia Was Caused by Medical Negligence
Recognizing the signs that a medical error may have caused your paralysis is the first step toward getting justice. While not every case of quadriplegia is the result of negligence, certain patterns in your medical care may indicate as much.
The following are some of the most common indicators that substandard care or preventable mistakes may have contributed to your condition:
Sudden Paralysis After a Medical Procedure
A sudden loss of movement or sensation after surgery or another medical procedure is a sign that something went wrong. If you had normal mobility before and experienced paralysis immediately afterward, this could indicate an avoidable injury to your spinal cord or nerves.
You should not accept vague explanations for such a major change in your condition. An abrupt onset of paralysis following a procedure warrants immediate investigation and possibly a second opinion.
Inconsistent or Changing Explanations From Providers
Clear communication is essential in healthcare. When doctors or nurses give shifting or conflicting explanations about what caused your paralysis, that is a red flag. It may mean your medical team is uncertain about what happened or is not being fully transparent.
To protect yourself, you should document each conversation, noting who you spoke to and what was said. If your care team’s explanations keep changing, it’s reasonable to question whether a preventable mistake led to your condition.
Delayed Diagnosis or Treatment of a Spinal Cord Injury
If your spinal cord injury was not identified or treated quickly, it could have made your condition worse. Prompt diagnosis is crucial after spinal trauma, and hesitation or failure to follow standard protocols can result in permanent paralysis.
Common warning signs of a delayed diagnosis include a slow response to serious symptoms, postponed imaging or testing, or missed opportunities for early treatment. Delays like these may indicate negligence and could be grounds for legal action.
Evidence of Surgical Errors or Complications
Unexpected symptoms or complications after surgery may point to a surgical mistake. Not all complications are malpractice, but unexplained paralysis, infections, or trauma that arise shortly after surgery deserve close attention.
Possible indicators of surgical error include unexplained neurological symptoms, unclear explanations for new complications, or infections or trauma near the surgical site. If these issues occur, consider seeking a second opinion and contacting our attorneys.
Postoperative Infections or Trauma
Infections after surgery are not just routine complications—they can be a sign of poor sterilization or substandard care. Redness, swelling, unexpected pain, or unusual discharge should never be ignored. Signs of possible infection-related negligence include:
- Failure to maintain sterile conditions during surgery or wound care
- Inadequate monitoring of postoperative healing
- Ignored patient complaints about pain or discomfort
Severe infections can lead to spinal cord damage and paralysis if not managed properly. If you suspect your care team didn’t follow infection control standards, document your symptoms and demand a clear explanation.
Lack of Proper Monitoring During or After Treatment
Patients rely on medical staff to monitor vital signs and intervene quickly when something changes. Failing to do so can allow preventable harm to occur. Signs of insufficient monitoring include missed vital sign changes, delayed emergency response, and incomplete records.
A lapse in observation can lead to delayed treatment during critical moments. If your care team failed to act while your condition deteriorated, that could point to negligence.
Absence of Risk Warnings or Informed Consent
Before any procedure, your doctor must explain the risks, alternatives, and likely outcomes in plain language. If they didn’t, and you suffered quadriplegia as a result, you may not have given informed consent. Red flags that informed consent was not properly obtained include:
- No signed consent form in your medical file
- No discussion of risks or alternatives before the procedure
- Feeling rushed or pressured to agree to surgery without a full understanding
If you were denied the chance to make an informed decision about a procedure, this may strengthen your malpractice claim.
Discrepancies in Medical Records
Inaccurate or incomplete medical records can be a sign that errors occurred, or that someone is trying to hide them. Small inconsistencies can have big implications for proving negligence. Examples of concerning discrepancies include:
- Missing documentation about procedures or medications
- Conflicting details between different reports
- Altered or incomplete timestamps on key events
Review your records carefully and compare them to what you remember or were told. If something doesn’t add up, share those details with your attorney. Discrepancies often serve as critical evidence in malpractice investigations.
Indications of Negligence From Medical Staff
Negligence doesn’t always look dramatic. It can manifest as small but consistent lapses that add up to serious harm. Stay alert for signs that staff are not providing the care you deserve, such as:
- Slow or dismissive responses to worsening symptoms
- Failure to follow standard procedures for monitoring or safety
- Repeated disregard for your or your family’s concerns
- Unexplained injuries or complications after routine treatments
Should you notice a pattern of carelessness or inattentiveness, document each incident in detail. Repeated lapses can reveal a broader culture of negligence that may have contributed to your paralysis.
What to Do If You Suspect Medical Negligence Caused Quadriplegia
If you believe a medical error caused your paralysis, it’s important to take immediate action. Gathering the right evidence early on can strengthen your case. Here’s what to do:
- Request your full medical records: Review them for inconsistencies or missing information.
- Get a second opinion: Another medical professional can help confirm whether your injury could have been prevented.
- Document everything: Keep a detailed record of symptoms, treatments, and conversations.
- Consult a qualified attorney: Our medical malpractice lawyers can help you determine liability and pursue compensation.
- Avoid communicating directly with insurers or hospital administrators: They may try to limit what you are entitled to.
Speak to a Medical Malpractice Attorney
Quadriplegia caused by medical negligence is devastating, but recognizing the warning signs can help you uncover the truth. Sudden paralysis, delayed diagnosis, inconsistent explanations, or signs of poor monitoring often point to preventable mistakes.
If you suspect your quadriplegia is a result of medical negligence, an experienced medical malpractice attorney from Anidjar & Levine can review your records, build your case, and pursue the compensation you need for your future.
Schedule a free case evaluation to learn about how you can get justice.
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