Last Updated on March 17, 2025 by tanya

Spinal Surgical Errors

 

What Can Go Wrong and When Can You Claim Compensation?

 

The backbone for your body, surgery in this area is complex and spinal surgical errors may occur. While most spinal surgeries go smoothly, mistakes can happen with severe consequences. The may be when the surgical team make a mistake, such as damage nerves or operate on the wrong part of the spine. Errors may also happen with anaesthesia during the operation, or post-operatively if there is a poor standard of care.

If you feel you may have suffered from medical negligence during your spinal surgery, First Personal Injury may be able to help.

 

What Can Go Wrong in Spinal Surgery?

While surgery is never 100% risk-free, when something goes wrong because of human error, it could provide grounds for negligence. Here are some of the most common mistakes that can happen during this type of surgery:

 

Spinal Surgical Errors

 

These are the actual mistakes made by the surgeon or surgical team. Potential errors may include:

• Operating on the wrong part of the spine.
• Damaging nerves during the procedure.
• Incorrectly placing screws or rods.
• Leaving surgical instruments inside the patient.

Even a small slip of the scalpel in spinal surgery may cause permanent damage.

 

Anaesthesia Errors

 

If administered incorrectly, anaesthesia mistakes can lead to:

• Permanent nerve damage.
• Lack of oxygen to the brain, resulting in brain injury.
• Awareness during surgery

 

Infections and Poor Post-Op Care

 

Good post-operative care is critical to a patient’s recovery. This includes the surgeon ensuring that patients are monitored properly to prevent post-surgical infections. If a wound is not cleaned properly or if antibiotics are not given when needed, infections can set in. This may include dangerous infections such as meningitis or sepsis.

 

Failure to Diagnose or Misdiagnosis

 

Prior to the operation, if your doctor misdiagnoses your spinal condition and performs an unnecessary surgery this may lead to a claim. Additionally, if your doctor fails to diagnose a serious condition, this can lead to worsening symptoms. This may result in a disability.

 

How To Claim For Compensation

 

It is important to understand that not every failed surgery is a case of medical negligence. Some complications are simply unfortunate but unavoidable. However, you may be entitled to make a claim if the medical professional made a mistake which directly caused you harm.

You will need your medical records and expert opinions. As medical negligence can be complex, you should consult with a medical negligence lawyer who can provide a thorough assessment of your case. Compensation typically covers medical expenses, rehabilitation and physiotherapy costs, and loss of earnings, home modifications if needed.

 

If you you, or a loved one has suffered from a spinal surgical error due to negligence,  First Personal Injury can guide you through the process to get the compensation you deserve. We work with experienced lawyers who work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis. Call us at 0333 358 2345 or contact us online for a free consultation.