Can Nerve Damage from Surgical Positioning Be Medical Negligence in Reading, PA?
When you are under anesthesia during surgery, you are not able to advocate for yourself and ensure your own safety. If your medical team fails to keep you safe, you’ll need to consider pursuing a malpractice case against them. Trying to take on a malpractice case without proper representation can be extremely difficult. If you’ve experienced a medical negligence incident, consult with the medical malpractice lawyers at Fanelli, Evans & Patel to understand your options under Pennsylvania law.
How Surgical Positioning Can Cause Nerve Damage
During surgery, patients are often placed in positions that provide surgeons with better access to the treatment area. Because patients are under anesthesia and unable to feel discomfort, the surgical team is responsible for ensuring that pressure is not placed on nerves for prolonged periods. When proper precautions are not taken, nerves can become compressed, stretched, or otherwise damaged during the procedure. Some of the most commonly affected areas include:
- The arms and shoulders
- The neck
- The legs and knees
- The lower back
- The hands and wrists
Even surgeries considered routine can result in serious nerve injuries when patients are positioned improperly for extended periods of time.
Nerve damage caused by surgical positioning can range from temporary irritation to permanent disability. In some cases, patients recover within weeks or months, while others are left with lifelong complications. Common symptoms you may experience can include numbness or tingling, burning sensations, weakness in the affected area, and loss of coordination.
When Surgical Positioning May Constitute Negligence
Not every negative surgical outcome is medical malpractice. However, when healthcare providers fail to follow accepted safety standards regarding patient positioning, negligence may be involved. Examples of negligence can include:
- Failing to pad pressure points properly
- Leaving a patient in the same position for too long
- Failing to monitor the patient’s positioning during lengthy surgeries
- Improperly securing the patient to the operating table
- Failing to account for a patient’s age, weight, or preexisting medical conditions
- Poor communication among members of the surgical team
Medical professionals are expected to take reasonable steps to prevent avoidable injuries, including nerve damage related to surgical positioning.
Damages You May Be Able to Recover in Pennsylvania
If nerve damage caused by improper surgical positioning was the result of medical negligence, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for the full scope of losses you have suffered. In Pennsylvania, medical malpractice victims can seek damages related to both the financial and personal consequences of their injuries. This includes medical expenses, lost wages resulting from missed work during recovery, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Contact Our Medical Malpractice Attorneys in Reading to Understand Your Legal Rights
Nerve damage can cause chronic pain and disability, forever altering the victim’s life. If you suspect you have been a victim of medical negligence, don’t wait to reach out to our Reading medical malpractice attorneys at Fanelli, Evans & Patel to understand what to do next. You can contact us online today or call our office at 484-869-2113.