Post-surgical infections leading to spinal damage represent one of the most devastating complications a patient can suffer following what was intended to be corrective or stabilizing spinal surgery. Patients undergoing procedures involving the spine place immense trust in surgeons, hospitals, and medical staff to maintain sterile conditions, monitor for signs of infection, and respond promptly when complications arise. When that trust is broken, the consequences can be catastrophic. Post-surgical infections leading to spinal damage can progress rapidly, causing irreversible neurological injury, chronic pain, or paralysis if not timely identified and treated. If you sustained harm due to preventable surgical infections, you may be owed damages, and you should talk to a lawyer. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers, our experienced Syracuse medical malpractice attorneys understand what it takes to establish fault in complex medical malpractice cases, and if you hire us, we will work tirelessly to help you seek the maximum compensation available. We regularly advocate for injured patients throughout Syracuse, Rochester, and Upstate New York.
How Post-Surgical Infections Leading to Spinal Damage OccurPost-surgical infections leading to spinal damage may develop when bacteria enter the surgical site during or after a spinal procedure and are not promptly controlled. These infections can arise from inadequate sterilization of surgical instruments, improper surgical technique, failure to administer appropriate prophylactic antibiotics, or lapses in post-operative wound care and monitoring. Infections involving the spine are particularly dangerous because they may spread to the vertebrae, spinal discs, or spinal cord itself, resulting in conditions such as spinal abscesses, osteomyelitis, or meningitis.
The harm caused by post-surgical infections leading to spinal damage is often severe and life-altering. Patients may experience increasing pain, fever, neurological deficits, weakness, numbness, or loss of bowel and bladder control. As infection spreads, it can compress the spinal cord or disrupt blood flow, leading to permanent nerve damage or paralysis. Many patients require emergency revision surgeries, prolonged hospitalizations, long-term intravenous antibiotics, and extensive rehabilitation. Even with aggressive treatment, full recovery is not always possible.
Proving Fault in Cases Involving Post-Surgical Infections Leading to Spinal DamageIn medical malpractice cases arising out of post-surgical infections leading to spinal damage, plaintiffs typically assert the defendants’ negligence caused their harm. Under New York law, a plaintiff alleging negligence must first show that the defendant owed them a duty. A duty of care arises when a provider–patient relationship is formed, obligating surgeons, hospitals, nurses, and post-operative care providers to deliver treatment consistent with accepted medical standards.
Next, the plaintiff must show that the defendant breached the duty owed. A breach occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care. In cases involving post-surgical infections leading to spinal damage, breaches may include improper sterilization procedures, failure to follow infection control protocols, premature discharge without adequate monitoring, failure to recognize signs of infection such as redness, swelling, fever, or neurological changes, or delays in ordering diagnostic tests and initiating treatment. In most cases, expert testimony is necessary to explain what a reasonably competent provider would have done under similar circumstances and how the defendant’s conduct fell below accepted practice.
Finally, the plaintiff has to show causation and damages. In other words, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the provider’s breach was a substantial factor in causing the spinal infection and resulting damage. This often involves expert analysis showing that earlier intervention, appropriate antibiotic therapy, or timely surgical management would have prevented the infection from progressing to spinal cord injury or permanent neurological harm. Establishing causation is especially critical in spinal cases, where defense arguments may attempt to attribute damage to the underlying condition rather than the infection itself.
Under New York law, patients harmed by post-surgical infections that result in spinal damage may recover economic damages, including the costs of additional surgeries and treatment, rehabilitation, assistive devices, home modifications, lost income, and diminished earning capacity. Non-economic damages may also be available and can include compensation for physical pain, emotional suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and the profound psychological impact of permanent spinal injury.
Speak With a Skilled Medical Malpractice Attorney in Syracuse, Rochester, or Upstate New YorkPost-surgical infections leading to spinal damage can transform a routine or necessary surgical procedure into a lifelong medical and personal crisis. If you or a loved one suffered serious spinal injury because of a post-surgical infection, it is critical to speak to an attorney about your potential claims. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers, our knowledgeable Syracuse medical malpractice attorneys are dedicated to holding negligent providers accountable and if you hire us, we will aggressively advocate on your behalf. Our primary office is in Syracuse and we represent individuals and families throughout Syracuse, Rochester, and Upstate New York. You can contact us today to schedule a free, confidential consultation by completing our online form or calling 833-200-2000.