When Surgery Leads to a Life-Altering Spinal Cord Injury
Undergoing surgery is always a major event, but few patients expect to wake up unable to move or feel parts of their body. Unfortunately, surgical negligence can result in devastating spinal cord injuries or paralysis—turning a routine procedure into a lifelong disability. In Florida, victims of such negligence have important legal rights to pursue justice and compensation.
How Surgical Negligence Causes Paralysis
Paralysis can occur when a surgeon, anesthesiologist, or operating room staff damages the spinal cord or surrounding nerves during a procedure. Common causes include:
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Improper surgical technique: Accidental cuts or pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
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Incorrect surgical site: Operating on the wrong vertebra or area of the spine.
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Failure to monitor oxygen levels: Prolonged oxygen deprivation can cause spinal cord ischemia.
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Positioning errors: Improper patient positioning can compress the spine or nerves.
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Anesthesia mistakes: Errors in spinal or epidural anesthesia can cause direct cord injury.
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Failure to address complications promptly: Delayed recognition of postoperative bleeding or infection may result in permanent nerve damage.
Even minor missteps during a spinal or orthopedic procedure can lead to quadriplegia, paraplegia, or partial paralysis—conditions that permanently alter the patient’s quality of life.
Proving Surgical Malpractice in Florida
To succeed in a Florida medical malpractice case, a patient must prove:
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A duty of care — that a surgeon or hospital owed you a professional medical duty.
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A breach of that duty — such as performing below the accepted standard of care.
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Causation — the negligence directly caused the spinal cord injury or paralysis.
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Damages — measurable harm such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Florida law (F.S. Chapter 766) requires a pre-suit investigation and an expert medical opinion before filing a malpractice lawsuit. This process helps confirm that the injury likely resulted from negligence rather than an unavoidable surgical risk.
Types of Compensation Available
Victims of paralysis or spinal cord injuries caused by surgical negligence may recover compensation for:
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Past and future medical expenses (including rehabilitation and assistive devices)
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Lost income and earning capacity
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Home and vehicle modifications for accessibility
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Pain and suffering
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Loss of enjoyment of life
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Loss of consortium (for spouses or family members)
In cases of gross negligence, Florida courts may also award punitive damages to punish particularly reckless conduct.
Hospitals and Surgeons May Be Liable
Both the surgeon and the hospital can be held responsible when negligence occurs. For example:
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A surgeon who fails to use proper technique or misidentifies anatomy.
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A hospital that employs unqualified staff or fails to maintain sterile procedures.
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Anesthesiologists or nurse anesthetists who cause spinal cord trauma during epidurals or spinal blocks.
Florida hospitals—including major centers in Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville—have been held accountable when systemic errors or poor supervision contributed to surgical paralysis injuries.
What to Do If You or a Loved One Suffered Paralysis After Surgery
If you suspect your paralysis or spinal injury resulted from surgical negligence:
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Request all medical records immediately.
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Seek an independent medical evaluation from a qualified specialist.
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Consult an experienced Florida medical malpractice attorney to review the case.
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Do not delay — Florida’s statute of limitations for medical malpractice is generally two years from when the injury was discovered or should have been discovered.
Get Legal Help Today
A paralysis injury caused by surgical negligence can change everything—from your independence to your financial stability. You don’t have to face it alone. An experienced Florida medical malpractice lawyer can help you uncover the truth, hold negligent parties accountable, and secure the compensation you need for lifelong care.
Have you or someone you know been injured as a result of medical malpractice? Contact Florida Hospital and Medical Malpractice Lawyer J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo by dialing his direct number at (786) 272-5841, calling the main office at (305) 461-1095, or Toll Free at 1 (866) 71-CLAIM or email Miami Attorney Gonzalez-Sirgo directly at jp@yourattorneys.com or by text at (305) 929-8935.
