Paralysis

A Guide to Medical Malpractice with the Baltimore Misdiagnosis Paralysis Lawyer

Paralysis is a devastating condition that can result from misdiagnosis. When a medical professional fails to correctly diagnose a condition that can lead to paralysis, the patient may suffer irreversible damage. In such cases, it is important to understand your legal rights and seek the advice of a medical malpractice attorney. You may need the Baltimore Misdiagnosis Paralysis Lawyer.

The Kopec Law Firm provides this webpage to give you information about the conditions that can lead to paralysis due to misdiagnosis, as well as the potential legal claims that may arise from such negligence.

Baltimore Misdiagnosis Paralysis Lawyer
Baltimore Misdiagnosis Paralysis Lawyer

Conditions That Can Lead to Paralysis from Misdiagnosis

Several conditions can cause paralysis if misdiagnosed. These include:

  • Spinal Cord Injury: This can result from trauma, such as a car accident or fall, or from conditions like meningitis or spinal cord tumors. Symptoms may include pain, numbness, weakness, and loss of bowel or bladder control. If not diagnosed and treated promptly, spinal cord injury can lead to permanent paralysis.
  • Stroke: A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, depriving brain cells of oxygen and nutrients. This can cause paralysis on one side of the body, as well as other symptoms like slurred speech, facial drooping, and confusion. Prompt medical attention is crucial to minimize damage and prevent paralysis.
  • Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS): This is a rare autoimmune disorder that causes the body’s immune system to attack the nerves. Symptoms often start in the feet and legs and can spread to the arms and chest, leading to paralysis. Early diagnosis and treatment with plasma exchange or immunoglobulin therapy can help prevent permanent paralysis.
  • Meningitis: This is an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, often caused by bacterial or viral infection. Symptoms include fever, headache, stiff neck, and sensitivity to light. If not treated promptly with antibiotics or antiviral medication, meningitis can lead to brain damage, hearing loss, and paralysis.

Tumors

  • Spinal Cord Tumors: These can compress the spinal cord and cause pain, weakness, numbness, and loss of bowel or bladder control. If not diagnosed and treated promptly with surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, spinal cord tumors can lead to permanent paralysis.
  • Brain Tumors: Depending on the location and type of brain tumor, it can cause a variety of symptoms, including headaches, seizures, vision problems, and paralysis. Prompt diagnosis and treatment with surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy can help prevent paralysis and other complications.

The Baltimore misdiagnosis paralysis lawyer can review the medical condition you had and assess the required response.

Medical Providers to Consult for Diagnosis

The doctors you should consult for diagnosis will depend on the specific condition suspected. However, some common providers include:

  • Internal Medicine Physician: Your primary care physician can perform a physical exam and order initial tests to rule out common causes of paralysis.
  • Neurologist: A neurologist specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the nervous system. They can perform a detailed neurological exam and order specialized tests, such as MRI, CT scan, or electromyography (EMG).
  • Neurosurgeon: A neurosurgeon specializes in surgery of the brain and spine. They may be consulted if surgery is needed to treat a condition like a spinal cord tumor or brain tumor.
  • Infectious Disease Specialist: An infectious disease specialist can diagnose and treat infections like meningitis.
  • Oncologist: An oncologist specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer, including brain and spinal cord tumors.

The Baltimore misdiagnosis paralysis lawyer can evaluate the response of the doctors who you saw for diagnosis.

Medical Providers to See for Treatment

The medical providers you should see for treatment will depend on the specific condition and the severity of the paralysis. However, some common providers include:

  • Physical Therapist: A physical therapist can help you regain strength, mobility, and function through exercises and other therapies.
  • Occupational Therapist: An occupational therapist can help you adapt to your limitations and learn new skills to perform daily activities.
  • Neurologist: A neurologist can monitor your condition and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
  • Neurosurgeon: A neurosurgeon may perform surgery to repair damage to the spinal cord or brain.
  • Pain Management Specialist: A pain management specialist can help manage pain associated with paralysis.

How Paralysis Results from Misdiagnosis

Paralysis can result from misdiagnosis in several ways:

  • Delayed Diagnosis: If a condition like spinal cord injury or stroke is not diagnosed and treated promptly, the damage to the nervous system can become irreversible, leading to paralysis.
  • Incorrect Diagnosis: If a condition is misdiagnosed, the patient may receive inappropriate treatment, which can worsen the condition and lead to paralysis.
  • Failure to Refer: If a medical provider fails to refer a patient to a specialist for further evaluation, the condition may go undiagnosed and untreated, leading to paralysis.

Medical Malpractice Claims

If you or a loved one has suffered paralysis due to misdiagnosis, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim. To succeed in such a claim, you must prove the following elements:

  • Doctor-Patient Relationship: A doctor-patient relationship must have existed between you and the healthcare provider.
  • Breach of Duty of Care: The healthcare provider must have failed to meet the standard of care expected of a reasonably prudent healthcare provider in similar circumstances. This means that the provider did not diagnose or treat your condition correctly or timely.
  • Causation: The healthcare provider’s negligence must have directly caused your paralysis. This means that your paralysis would not have occurred had the provider acted with reasonable care.
  • Damages: You must have suffered actual damages as a result of the provider’s negligence, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of quality of life.

If you believe you may have a medical malpractice claim, it is important to consult with an experienced medical malpractice attorney. We can review your case, gather evidence, and help you understand your legal rights.

We can also help you navigate the complex legal process and negotiate a fair settlement with the healthcare provider or insurance company. In most cases, it will be necessary to file a lawsuit to recover damages.

Next Step: call the Baltimore Misdiagnosis Paralysis Lawyer

Paralysis from misdiagnosis is a serious and life-altering condition. If you believe you have been the victim of medical malpractice, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. By understanding your legal rights and working with an experienced attorney, you can protect your interests and seek justice.

Visit the Kopec Law Firm free consultation page or video. Then contact us at 800-604-0704 to speak directly with Attorney Mark Kopec. He is a top-rated Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer. The Kopec Law Firm is in Baltimore and pursues cases throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C.

What Our Clients Say About Us

At the Kopec Law Firm, we are grateful that satisfied clients express their appreciation!

Mark is a knowledgeable and empathetic lawyer who speaks directly and concisely to evaluate your problem. He doesn't use attorney jargon that confuses people, rather he talks clearly. Although he couldn't help me with my situation, the consultation I had was productive because he answered my questions and gave me some clarity.

Shahnaz in Ellicott City

Dear Mark, I just wanted to express my gratitude for your dedication to my case. As you know, it has been a long and upsetting process for me, which would have been a great deal longer had it not been for the hours you put in helping me with this emotional roller coaster. Thank you again.

Shannon T. in Anne Arundel County

Dear Mark, thank you so much for your help and kindness. You provided the guidance and assistance we needed to obtain some understanding in loss of our child. We will never forget the professional and personal service provided. If anyone is in need of legal representation, I will certainly send them your way. God bless.

Kim C. in Cecil County

I wanted to say thank you for spending time with me regarding my questions about legal issues. Mere words cannot really express my gratitude. You seem to truly care about people.

Client in Baltimore City

Dear Mr. Mark, I’m truly grateful to have had you work on my son’s case. You were up front at all times and were on key every step of the way. I will always recommend your firm. Thank you so much for helping my son. P.S. Every time my son sees you on TV, he says “Mom, that’s my lawyer, Mr. Mark.” 🙂 Thank you again. You did an excellent job on the...

K.N. in Baltimore City

Dear Mark, we want to thank you for all the hard work and time your firm put in our case. You took the time to listen to us and research our case. You were honest and up front regarding the case. You responded to questions and concerns quickly. We would highly recommend your firm and services to anyone who is in need of legal representation. We...

Rebecca T. in Prince George’s County

Super Awesome team and staff! Worked with them for a case they handled for my grandchild about 10yrs ago! Would definitely use them again! I recommend them to everyone I know. Could never thank them enough! Very thorough and knowledgeable! Always kept us in the loop throughout the entire process!!!!

Letha C. in Prince George’s County

Mark explained everything in detail and brought clarity to all of my concerns.

Doris in Edgwater

I am very happy and thankful for your help. You responded very quickly. I am very happy to recommend you.

Linda in Chevy Chase
  1. 1 Free Consultation
  2. 2 Talk to a Lawyer
  3. 3 No Fee Unless You Win
Fill out the contact form or call us at 800-604-0704 to schedule your consultation.

Send Us a Message