Electing to have major surgery is a decision with many significant factors and potential consequences. The current state of the patient and their daily challenges must be assessed as well as potential alternative methods of correction. Unfortunately, not every surgery is successful and can have drastic, life-altering circumstances. In the event of a surgery that brings forth unforeseen and harmful results, the patient must be treated, cared for and compensated accordingly through a life care plan.
The Sacramento spinal cord injury attorneys at Eason & Tambornini, ALC ensure that our clients’ life care plans are extremely detailed, supported by experts and assess the past, present and future of the injured party. Obviously, these situations are sensitive in nature and significantly affect the well-being of the patient and their family. Our personal injury attorneys are experienced in these situations and will do everything in their power to tend to the needs of the client and their vital support system. One such example is the following case, in which a child’s life was forever changed by a spinal cord injury.
The Spinal Cord Injury
Our client, a teenager suffering from significant back pain sought posterior spinal fusion surgery to correct scoliosis. An examination and imaging confirmed severe thoracolumbar scoliosis and surgery was scheduled. Spinal cord surgeries carry a range of risks and benefits, including but not limited to: death, cord injury, chronic myelopathy, paralysis, bowel/bladder incontinence, nerve damage, latrogenic instability, complications arising from anesthesia and the need for future surgery.
During surgery, the patient experienced lung collapse and a screw inserted to stabilize the spine blocked it instead, resulting in significant bleeding, cardiac arrest and myelopathy. The patient lost use of his lower extremities and requires assistance with lower extremity dressing, toileting, bathing, transfers and driving. He requires a power wheelchair.
Obtaining A Life Care Plan
On behalf of the client, personal injury attorneys from Eason & Tambornini, ALC, claimed medical negligence and sought a life care plan that reflected the client’s expected medical care, medications, home care, transportation, counseling, physical therapy and future surgeries, etc. Adjusted life expectancy, general damages and inflation were also considered.
Eason & Tambornini lawyers hired experts to support their claim, including a certified life care planner and a life expectancy expert.
After extensive litigation, Sacramento spinal cord injury lawyers from Eason & Tambornini were able to convince the defendants of the extent of our clients injuries and negotiate a successful resolution.
