Surgical Errors and Nerve Damage April 12, 2017.

If you experience nerve damage or paralysis after surgery, contact attorney Chris Mellino today for a free consultation. You may also download or request his free, easy-to-read guide to filing a medical malpractice claim in Ohio.

Nerve Damage Symptoms

Nerves are located throughout your body, and there are three types: autonomic, motor, and sensory. Damage can occur in any of these and cause severe pain or other symptoms, including:

  • tingling;
  • numbness;
  • twitching;
  • weakness;
  • paralysis;
  • lightheadedness;
  • bladder dysfunction;
  • constipation; and
  • dry eyes and mouth.

What Caused My Injury?

Medical treatment can damage nerves in a variety of ways. One may be side effects from prescribed medications or treatments, such as chemotherapy.

Another is via an invasive procedure such as surgery. Because nerves are found throughout the entire body, almost any area operated on will bring a surgeon’s scalpel near nerves. Inflammation and damage can occur when a physician severs one or even just rubs an instrument against it.

Anesthesia administration can also damage the nervous system.

Can I File a Medical Malpractice Claim for Nerve Damage?

Damage to nerves can be irreversible. The pain and suffering, along with the need for continued medical treatment because of a surgeon’s error, deserves to be compensated. In Cleveland, a medical malpractice attorney can help you sort through the specifics of your case and help you get back on the road to recovery.

In order to prove negligence occurred, your lawyer will need to:

  • establish there was a doctor-patient relationship;
  • show the doctor deviated from the standard of care expected; and
  • relay how the doctor’s negligence harmed the patient.

Minor discomfort that is temporary is less likely to receive a large award when compared to permanent paralysis. Generally, compensation may be sought for:

  • Economic damages – These are the tangible expenses that can be calculated, such as medical bills, a loss in current and future wages, and assistance for daily living, such as cooking, cleaning and general upkeep of the home.
  • Non-economic damages – Patients may seek compensation for the pain and suffering they’ve experienced due to a doctor’s mistake.
  • Punitive damages – These are sometimes awarded with the intention of making a doctor improve his or her healthcare practices.

If you have questions about a nerve injury, surgical mistake, or how much time you have to file a claim, attorney Chris Mellino invites you to contact them for a free consultation. You may also download or request Chris’ free, easy-to-read guide to filing a claim in Ohio.