Over 20 million Americans suffer from nerve damage, a condition that can cause debilitating pain, numbness, and loss of function. Sadly, many of these cases result from preventable medical errors during surgical procedures.
If you’re among those affected by nerve damage due to a surgical complication, you deserve answers and support.
Blasingame, Burch, Garrard & Ashley, P.C. is a leading Georgia medical malpractice law firm. Our experienced attorneys stand ready to help victims like you seek compensation for significant and debilitating nerve damage after surgery.
Call our offices at (706) 354-4000 or reach us online today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
Understanding Nerve Damage After Surgery
Nerves are essential for many bodily functions, from feeling to movement. They are like the electrical wiring of your body, transmitting signals between your brain, spinal cord, and other parts of your body. A disruption in these signals can lead to a range of problems.
Nerve damage, or neuropathy, occurs when your nerves are injured or malfunction. This damage can affect your ability to feel sensations like touch, temperature, and pain.
It can also cause weakness, paralysis, or loss of coordination. In severe cases, nerve damage can also affect your heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion.
Common Surgeries Associated with Nerve Damage
While any surgery carries a risk of nerve damage, some procedures cause this condition more often.
These include:
- Orthopedic surgeries like knee replacements, hip replacements, and spine surgeries
- Cardiothoracic surgeries such as heart bypass and lung surgeries
- Abdominal surgeries like gallbladder removal or hysterectomy
- Cosmetic surgeries such as facelifts and tummy tucks
It’s important to remember that nerve damage can occur after any surgery, even seemingly minor ones. If you experience any unusual sensations, pain, or weakness after surgery, it’s crucial to meet with your doctor promptly.
Can You Sue a Surgeon for Nerve Damage?
Yes, you can sue a surgeon or hospital for nerve damage if it resulted from their negligence or medical malpractice. Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to provide the standard of care expected of them.
To have a successful lawsuit, you generally need to prove the following:
- Duty of care. The surgeon owed you a duty to provide competent medical care.
- Breach of duty. The surgeon breached that duty by failing to meet the accepted standard of care. This could involve surgical errors, misdiagnosis, failure to warn of risks, or other negligent acts.
- Causation. The surgeon’s breach of duty directly caused significant and debilitating nerve damage.
- Damages. You suffered medical expenses, lost wages, and pain & suffering, as a result of the nerve damage.
Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to sue the surgeon directly, the hospital where the surgery took place, or other healthcare professionals involved in your care.
The professionals at Blasingame, Burch, Garrard & Ashley, P.C. can help review your case and determine who is liable for your injuries. Contact our firm today to discuss seeking compensation for significant nerve damage after surgery.
Types of Compensation Available
If you’ve suffered significant nerve damage due to surgical errors or medical negligence, you may be entitled to several types of compensation to help you recover and rebuild your life. This compensation addresses the financial burdens of recovery as well as the physical and emotional toll of your injury.
Economic Damages
These damages cover the tangible costs associated with your nerve damage, including:
- Medical expenses. Past and future medical bills, including surgeries, hospital stays, medications, therapies, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages. Compensation for income you’ve lost due to your inability to work because of your nerve damage.
- Lost earning capacity. If your nerve damage has affected your ability to earn a living, you can seek damages for the reduction in your earning potential.
- Rehabilitation costs. Expenses related to physical and occupational therapy or other services to help you regain function.
In essence, economic damages aim to reimburse you for the financial losses you’ve incurred due to your injury.
Noneconomic Damages
These damages address the intangible losses that are often invisible but are nonetheless real:
- Pain and suffering. Compensation for the physical pain and discomfort you’ve endured because of your nerve damage.
- Loss of enjoyment of life. You can demand compensation if your injury has prevented you from engaging in activities you once enjoyed,
- Emotional distress. Nerve damage can cause anxiety, depression, and other emotional hardships, which may also be considered for compensation.
Noneconomic damages can be more difficult to quantify, and you should seek the help of a skilled lawyer to get the most for your injuries.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases, courts award punitive damages when surgeons engage in particularly egregious or reckless conduct. These damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. However, under Georgia law, a jury can only award up to $250,000 for punitive damages.
What Is the Average Settlement for Nerve Damage from Surgery?
It’s natural to wonder about the average settlement for nerve damage resulting from surgery. While attorneys can estimate the value of your case, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all settlement amount. Each case is unique, and the compensation awarded depends on the damages you suffer.
It’s crucial to meet with a medical malpractice attorney to estimate the value of your case. They can assess your circumstances, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.
Don’t settle for less than your case is worth – seek legal guidance to protect your rights and obtain fair compensation for your nerve damage.
Call Blasingame, Burch, Garrard & Ashley, P.C.
Don’t let significant nerve damage after surgery derail your life. Our firm has a proven track record of success, recovering over $1.1 billion for clients across Georgia. Our dedicated team of medical malpractice attorneys understands the complexities of nerve damage cases and is ready to fight for your rights. We’ll handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing.
Call us at (706) 354-4000 or fill out our online form today for a free consultation.
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