Nerve damage from surgery can deeply impact your life. These injuries can cause symptoms that range from persistent pain and discomfort to loss of mobility, sensory impairments, and even long-term disability. In these situations, you deserve justice—and if a surgeon’s negligence caused your nerve damage, you have the right to pursue a lawsuit against them. Contact an Augusta medical malpractice lawyer for a free case consultation.
Signs and Symptoms of Nerve Damage
Our nerves are responsible for relaying sensory information, controlling muscle movements, and regulating many automatic bodily functions. Essentially, they are the communication network that enables our bodies to interact effectively with the external environment. When these nerves are severed, compressed, or otherwise damaged, serious symptoms can occur.
Signs of nerve damage may include:
A burning sensation
Tingling or numbness in the extremities
Sharp pain in the affected area
Partial or complete paralysis
A cold feeling in the legs or arms
Heaviness in the legs or arms
Difficulty with bowel or bladder function
Uncontrollable twitching
Muscle atrophy
Loss of feeling or sight
Sexual dysfunction
How Surgical Malpractice Can Lead to Nerve Damage
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider deviates from the standard of care in their field, leading to patient harm. In the context of surgery, this can involve a range of errors or negligence.
For example, the incorrect use of surgical instruments, such as a scalpel, can sever or damage nerves inadvertently. Additionally, failure to properly position a patient during surgery can cause undue pressure on nerves, potentially leading to long-term nerve damage.
Below are additional examples of surgical malpractice that could lead to nerve damage:
