Call or email us. It’s completely confidential.
Speak to a lawyer about your situation for free.
We give you advice and/or a lawyer referral.
Paralysis After Surgery
We are experienced attorneys who since 2001 have helped thousands of clients find the best medical malpractice lawyer for their case. Contact us for free at 312-346-5320. We help victims everywhere in Illinois.
Paralysis after surgery is one of the most devastating outcomes a patient can face. It means the loss of muscle function in part of the body—sometimes temporarily, often permanently. While some surgeries carry a known risk of nerve damage or paralysis, other times this life-altering result is due to avoidable medical negligence. If this happens to you or a loved one, it could be a very significant lawsuit, potentially worth tens of millions of dollars. Hiring the right law firm can make all of the difference.
Paralysis can occur after a variety of procedures, but it is most commonly associated with back and neck surgeries, such as spinal fusions or discectomies. These operations involve delicate areas near the spinal cord and major nerve bundles. If a surgeon cuts too deep, slips with an instrument, or places hardware incorrectly, it can lead to partial or total paralysis. In some cases, a surgical tool left behind or a post-operative infection pressing on the spinal cord can also cause paralysis.
But it’s not just spine surgeries. Brain surgery, certain abdominal procedures, and even joint replacements can carry a risk of paralysis. One often-overlooked source of injury is the anesthesiologist. Improper positioning during surgery, failure to monitor oxygen levels, or a poorly placed spinal block or epidural can result in serious nerve damage. These causes can be incredibly frustrating because often they happen due to simple carelessness. You don’t expect to have a leg surgery and come out paralyzed because your neck was improperly positioned or you were given too much anesthesia.
Doctors will often tell patients that paralysis was a “known complication” of the surgery. And in some cases, that’s true. But known risks do not always excuse negligence. Other times the doctor is not telling the truth If the surgeon failed to follow the standard of care, didn’t take appropriate precautions, or ignored warning signs, the outcome may not be just a tragic accident—it may be malpractice.
What Clients Are Saying
"Truly cared"
Thank you so much. I really feel like you cared about my situation and did whatever you could to help.
"Extremely quick"
Extremely quick response. Even on a Sunday morning. I appreciate the expert advice and care that I received.
If you or a family member has been paralyzed after surgery, time is of the essence. Medical records need to be preserved and reviewed by experts. In Illinois, strict time limits apply to medical malpractice claims, and delays can cost you the ability to file a lawsuit altogether. In most cases you have two years from the date of the surgery to sue or you will lose your rights forever.
These cases are complex and require attorneys with experience in both medicine and the law. We can help connect you with an experienced Illinois medical malpractice attorney who has successfully handled paralysis cases before. That does not guarantee a result, but greatly increases your chances of success. When we recommend an attorney it will be someone who has an incredible track record of success. It will be someone who we would suggest to a family member or close friend in the same situation. There is never a fee to call us or hire an attorney. Every lawyer we recommend gets paid only if they win the case.