Back surgery is becoming a common occurrence in America, as more and more people suffering spinal, neck and lower back pain turn to surgery to find pain relief. While some types of back surgery are relatively low-risk, others involve removal of vertebrae, removal of a disc or other higher-risk procedures.
Common Types of Back Surgery
Some of the most common types of back surgery procedures are as follows:
- Laminectomy
- Foramenotomy
- Spinal Fusion
- Spinal Disc Replacement
- Discectomy
The two most common types of back surgery are laminectomy and spinal fusion, both of which can have fairly long-term recovery times, and when performed correctly, can permanently alleviate a patients back pain.
Potential for Nerve Damage
Any surgical procedure that involves manipulation or removal or portions of the spinal cord carries with it very serious risk of damage to the spinal cord and surrounding parts of the nervous system.
If a surgeon does not perform his or her duty with the highest level of care and skill, nerve injury can lead to serious disability and potentially life altering injury to the patient.
Medical Negligence and Legal Remedies
If a surgeon performs any type of back surgery and fails to adhere to the standard of care for that procedure and medical circumstances, he or she is said to be negligent. If that negligence results in an undue injury to the patient, then there is potential for a medical malpractice case.
Patients who suffer damage due to medical malpractice have the right to seek justice in civil court by bringing a medical malpractice lawsuit. These lawsuits hold the hospital and/or surgeon liable for all injuries that a patient suffers, and offer a legal remedy and compensation for the patient.
Bringing a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit
Medical Malpractice laws are complicated, and medical negligence cases are some of the most difficult types of civil suits to investigate and prosecute. Only an experienced medical malpractice trial attorney can ensure a patient has the best shot getting a large settlement amount, or if necessary, bring the case all the way to trial.
