Brown-Séquard Syndrome Malpractice Lawyers in Michigan
Representing Patients Who Developed the Rare Spinal Cord Injury Brown-Séquard Syndrome Due to Medical Negligence
Brown-Séquard syndrome (BSS) is a severe medical emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. When malpractice causes this condition to develop or worsen, consult with Lipton Law’s MI Brown-Séquard syndrome malpractice lawyers.
Patients with BSS suffer physical limitations as well as neurological impairments that impact their daily routine. Medical malpractice cases may arise when BSS results from preventable medical errors, delayed diagnoses, or surgical mistakes. Lipton Law handles a wide range of spinal cord injury cases in Southfield and the surrounding areas. Our experienced Michigan personal injury attorneys work diligently to recover damages for medical costs, lost wages, and more.
Learn more about how our legal team can help you by scheduling a free initial consultation. Reach out by calling (248) 557-1688 or through our online contact form today.
What is Brown-Séquard Syndrome?
When one side of the spinal cord suffers significant damage, it can result in a rare neurological condition called Brown-Séquard Syndrome. Damage may occur due to severe spinal injury or health conditions affecting the spine. This condition impacts muscle strength, movement, and sensation.
Brown-Séquard Syndrome vs Cauda Equina Syndrome
BSS results from damage to the side of the spine. Cauda equina syndrome happens when a specific collection of nerve roots becomes compressed. Patients with cauda equina syndrome may experience loss of sensation in the bladder and bowels or even complete incontinence.
Brown-Séquard Syndrome vs Central Cord Syndrome
Both of these conditions are incomplete spinal cord injuries, but they differ in damage location and effect. Central cord syndrome involves injury to the middle of your spinal cord. It results in weakness in your limbs and loss of fine motor skills.
Brown-Séquard Syndrome vs Anterior Cord Syndrome
Anterior cord syndrome results from damage to the front of the spinal cord. Unlike BSS, this condition causes bilateral paralysis and loss of pain and temperature sensation below the point of injury.
Brown-Séquard Syndrome Symptoms
BSS leads to muscle weakness and loss of motor function on the same side as the spinal cord damage. On the other side of the body, patients experience loss of sensation. Mobility challenges and, in some cases, chronic pain can severely impact daily life. Other long-term neurological complications include muscle stiffness, spasms, and balance issues.
Brown-Séquard Syndrome Sensory Loss Levels
Since BSS is an incomplete spinal cord injury, it only partially affects motor and sensory pathways. Depending on the severity of the nerve damage, patients may preserve some sensation and motor function below the injury site. By contrast, complete spinal cord injuries result in total loss of sensation and voluntary movement.
What Causes Brown-Séquard Syndrome?
An important step of any personal injury lawsuit is to establish the cause of the injury. BSS can result from a wide range of circumstances, including spinal cord trauma, medical conditions, and mishandled medical care. Our MI personal injury lawyers carefully review the facts to build a convincing case.
Traumatic Spinal Cord Injuries
Injuries from blunt or penetrating trauma can lead to BSS. Such harm may occur due to car accidents, stab wounds, workplace accidents, fall accidents, and gunshot wounds. Our spinal cord injury attorneys in Southfield recover compensation through both personal injury claims and workers’ compensation benefits.
Surgical Complications
Healthcare providers must follow strict rules to prevent problems during medical procedures. Surgical errors, such as improper handling of tools or disruption of circulation, can cause significant harm and result in BSS. If you believe you developed BSS due to negligence during surgery, contact our Southfield surgical malpractice lawyers today.
Tumors and Spinal Cord Compression
Anything that puts pressure on the spinal canal can cause severe pain and additional medical complications, including tumors. The longer compression occurs, the greater the risk of permanent damage. Michigan cancer misdiagnosis attorneys hold medical professionals accountable when their mistakes lead to preventable harm.
Infections and Other Medical Conditions
Although BSS most commonly results from traumatic injuries, it can also happen due to spinal conditions. Some potential causes include infections, spinal stenosis, multiple sclerosis, and herniated discs. Improper treatment of any of these issues can serve as grounds for a medical malpractice claim.
Delayed Diagnosis and Delayed Treatment
Prompt surgical intervention or other care is especially important for spinal cord injuries and conditions. When delayed diagnosis leads to delayed treatment, patients may suffer permanent spinal cord damage. Lipton Law pursues compensation for clients through delayed-diagnosis lawsuits in Michigan.
When Brown-Séquard Syndrome Results From Medical Malpractice
Medical providers face legal liability when they fail to meet acceptable standards of care and, as a result, cause preventable harm. The following types of negligence can lead to BSS developing or worsening:
- Surgical errors involving the spine
- Failure to diagnose spinal cord compression
- Delayed recognition of neurological symptoms
- Errors during emergency medical treatment
- Failure to order appropriate diagnostic testing
If you’re interested in pursuing a spinal cord injury lawsuit against healthcare professionals, seek representation as soon as possible. Lipton Law’s Southfield medical malpractice lawyers will walk you through your legal options.
The Consequences of Brown-Séquard Syndrome
Although recovery of some motor function is possible for patients with BSS, many face permanent disability and physical limitations. For some, loss of mobility leads to a loss of independence. Adjusting to life with partial paralysis can cause significant grief, fear, anxiety, and depression. The combined physical, mental, and emotional effects of BSS impact patients’ ability to work and enjoy daily life. Furthermore, the financial burden of ongoing medical care and rehabilitation increases the stress these individuals experience.
How To Diagnose Brown-Séquard Syndrome
Healthcare providers often start the diagnostic process with physical and neurological examinations. Diagnostic imaging, such as MRI or CT scans, allows your team to see the extent of spinal cord damage. Through careful evaluation, medical professionals can identify the underlying cause and determine the best option for treatment.
Early diagnosis is key to treating any spinal cord issue. The longer treatment is delayed, the more likely patients are to suffer irreversible harm or further complications. Additionally, prompt treatment can allow patients to improve their walking and other motor functions.
Brown-Séquard Syndrome Treatment
Doctors will base treatment on each patient’s individual needs. Treatment for BSS may involve the following:
- Spinal surgery may be used to stabilize the spine or for spinal decompression
- Blood clot medications to address high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE)
- G-Tube (gastrostomy tube) brings nutrition directly to your stomach, reducing the risk of abdominal distension
- Bladder and bowel management, including suppositories, stool softeners, or catheters to help manage constipation and incontinence
- Ventilators when spinal cord issues cause difficulty breathing
Lipton Law ensures that our clients recover adequate compensation to cover all medical costs resulting from their injury.
Who May Be Liable for Brown-Séquard Syndrome Malpractice?
Multiple parties can bear responsibility for medical negligence. Lawsuits may target individual providers, such as neurosurgeons, spine specialists, or any other healthcare professional involved in treatment. Our MI hospital injury lawyers also pursue legal action against groups or facilities. This includes hospitals, surgical centers, and emergency room providers.
Michigan Medical Malpractice Laws Affecting Brown-Séquard Syndrome Claims
Michigan generally does not allow malpractice lawsuits to be filed more than 6 years after medical negligence occurred. At least 182 days before beginning legal action, the filer must send a Notice of Intent. This allows medical providers to investigate the claim. Under MCL 600.2912b(4), the claim must include the following information:
- The factual basis for the claim
- The alleged standard of practice or care
- How the healthcare provider breached the alleged standard of care
- How the breach of care caused the claimant’s injuries
- The names of all individuals and facilities involved
Additionally, the claimant must submit a medical malpractice Affidavit of Merit alongside their complaint. This is a legally binding statement from a medical expert that proves your claim has legitimate backing. Our spinal cord injury lawyers in MI will help you through every step of the claims process. We assist with all necessary paperwork and ensure you meet the limitation period.
Proving a Brown-Séquard Syndrome Medical Malpractice Claim
The first step in any medical malpractice claim is establishing the applicable standard of care. In other words, we must demonstrate what measures another medical professional in the same scenario would reasonably take. By showing that your medical provider deviated from this standard, we can prove they failed their duty of care. We then present a case that links their negligence to your spinal cord injury.
Our team’s experience with medical malpractice cases allows us to thoroughly prepare to advocate for you in court. We also rely on testimony from medical experts. These professionals help us establish the acceptable standard of care as well as the cause and overall effect of your injury.
Compensation Available in Brown-Séquard Syndrome Malpractice Cases
Compensation for personal injuries varies from case to case. Generally, however, it covers medical expenses. This includes initial care, ongoing rehabilitation, physical therapy, assistive devices, and future treatments. Since BSS limits mobility, victims may be able to secure compensation for lost income and reduced earning capacity. Courts sometimes award damages for pain and suffering or the long-term costs associated with disability and life care needs.
How the Michigan Malpractice Attorneys at Lipton Law Help Brown-Séquard Syndrome Injury Victims
Lipton Law has the knowledge and experience necessary to pursue justice for spinal cord injuries caused by medical negligence. Our team carefully reviews medical records and imaging studies, using specific details to build out your case. We consult with neurological and surgical experts. Their professional insight allows us to identify preventable medical errors and prove how those errors caused you harm.
Spinal cord injury victims can depend on Lipton Law to pursue the maximum available compensation. We carefully calculate all losses related to your injury, including medical costs, emotional suffering, and much more.
Contact Our Southfield, Michigan Brown-Séquard Syndrome Malpractice Lawyers Today
Spinal cord damage can permanently change your life. If you or a loved one has grounds to pursue a spinal cord injury claim, don’t wait to seek legal guidance. The sooner you consult with our Southfield personal injury lawyers, the better your chances in court.
Proving medical negligence requires thorough investigation into the circumstances of your injury. Our team utilizes years of experience to your benefit. We carefully craft persuasive cases to secure the compensation you deserve. For legal representation throughout Michigan, choose Lipton Law. We handle personal injury cases in Southfield, Detroit, Warren, Sterling Heights, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Flint, Kalamazoo, and surrounding communities.
Schedule a free consultation with Lipton Law’s attorneys by calling (248) 557-1688 or filling out our online contact form.
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