Medical Devices Aggravate Spinal Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are life-altering, and for some patients, recovery includes the use of medical implants such as spinal stimulators, fusion hardware, or pain management devices. But what happens when those implants fail, or worse, cause further harm? As a Cleveland, OH spinal cord injury lawyer, we at Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co., L.P.A. represent clients whose already devastating injuries were made worse by defective, poorly placed, or inadequately monitored medical devices. The stakes are high, especially when additional damage leads to lifelong care needs such as home modifications after an injury.
Common Types Of Spinal Implants
Spinal implants vary widely, from metal rods and screws used in spinal fusions to electrical stimulators designed to reduce pain or restore partial movement. These devices are often recommended during or after initial trauma treatment and can be surgically implanted or externally worn. If they fail mechanically, shift position, or cause infection, the consequences can be serious, sometimes triggering a second wave of disability. If this happens, certain parties may be held liable.
How Device Complications Lead To Lawsuits
We often see cases where implants worsen the original condition or create new medical problems. For example, a stimulator may malfunction and burn nerve endings around it. Other clients have experienced hardware migration, leading to compression of the spinal cord or surrounding nerves. If the manufacturer, surgeon, or device monitoring team failed in their responsibilities, a legal claim may be possible.
Identifying Liable Parties In Medical Device Cases
When a spinal implant causes further injury, liability can fall on several different parties. The device manufacturer may be at fault for producing a defective product. The surgeon may be responsible for improper placement or failing to warn of known risks. A hospital or clinic might share blame if follow-up care was insufficient. We conduct a full investigation to determine where negligence occurred and how it contributed to our client’s worsened condition. It is possible to hold multiple parties liable for causing your injury.
Impact On Daily Life And Long-Term Care Needs
When a spinal injury worsens, patients often face a new set of challenges. They may lose mobility they had regained, require additional surgeries, or experience chronic pain. Aging with a spinal cord injury already poses unique complications, but when a medical device fails, those complications multiply. Planning for mobility, therapy, and daily support becomes even more urgent and complex.
Many individuals in these situations must reevaluate their living spaces. Home modifications after an injury might include new stair lifts, ceiling tracks for transfers, or voice-activated lighting and temperature systems. These aren’t luxuries, they are critical for independence and safety, and they must be part of any comprehensive legal claim for compensation.
Proving The Device Caused Additional Harm
Medical device litigation is highly technical and requires collaboration with biomedical engineers, product safety experts, and physicians. Our team works with specialists to examine the implant, analyze imaging studies, and assess whether proper procedures were followed. Documentation is critical both from the surgery itself and from follow-up appointments where early symptoms may have been overlooked.
What You Can Do If You Suspect Implant Complications
If you suspect that a spinal implant is causing new symptoms, document everything. Keep a journal of your pain, limitations, and any new medical visits. Request copies of your surgical records and follow-up reports. Seek a second opinion from an unaffiliated specialist if possible. These steps can support both your medical recovery and your legal case. Your attorney can help you find specialists as well.
Working With A Skilled Legal Team
Our firm has recovered over $300 million in verdicts and settlements, and we bring that experience to every spinal cord injury case we handle. Our 4.8/5 star Google rating reflects our dedication to client care and legal results.
If a spinal implant has worsened your condition or introduced new risks to your recovery, contact Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co., L.P.A. to evaluate your legal options.
