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Preventable harm from an undiagnosed or mistreated spinal infection can change a person’s life forever. A Portland epidural abscess lawyer helps navigate the legal path toward accountability and compensation. At Paulson Coletti, we take on the complex cases where medical care falls short and ensure that patients and families aren’t left alone with the aftermath. If you’re searching for a trusted medical malpractice lawyer in Portland, patients can rely on our team to help. Medical providers who fail to act responsibly should answer for the consequences.
Epidural abscesses are rare but dangerous infections that can occur near the spinal cord. Left untreated, they may cause irreversible injury, including paralysis. For many patients, the consequences stem not just from the infection itself, but from failures in timely diagnosis or treatment. If you believe you’ve been affected by this kind of medical oversight, our firm can help investigate what went wrong.
We understand how overwhelming a spinal infection can be—physically, emotionally, and financially. We aim to make the legal process manageable so you can focus on healing while we focus on holding negligent providers accountable.
An epidural abscess is a severe infection in the epidural space—the area between the outer covering of the brain and spinal cord (dura mater) and the bones of the skull or spine. It consists of pus and bacteria that can build up and press against the spinal cord and nerves, which may result in intense pain, impaired mobility, and in severe cases, permanent neurological damage.
At Paulson Coletti, “liberty and justice for all” is more than just a phrase – it is our mandate. Our team of trial lawyers is driven to pursue justice for the injured, ensuring that the responsible parties are held accountable. With a high success rate both in and out of the courtroom, you can trust our Oregon personal injury lawyers to be the legal advocates you need so your voice can be heard.
The leading cause of epidural abscesses is bacterial infection, most often caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Other bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Streptococcus, may also be responsible.
Though rare, certain fungal or parasitic organisms can result in an epidural abscess under the right conditions.
In some cases, the precise origin of the infection remains unknown, despite thorough medical evaluation.
Bacteria can travel through the bloodstream and infect the epidural space, especially in individuals with systemic infections.
Infections originating in nearby tissues, such as psoas, paraspinal, or retropharyngeal abscesses, may extend into the spinal area.
Spinal surgeries, epidural injections, or catheter placements can create a direct pathway for bacteria to enter the epidural space.
Conditions like diabetes, HIV, cirrhosis, kidney disease, and certain cancers lower immune defenses and raise the likelihood of infection.
IV drug use poses a substantial risk by introducing bacteria into the bloodstream, often bypassing natural barriers.
Recent surgeries, epidural anesthesia, or spinal trauma involving hardware or catheters elevate infection risk.
Chronic illnesses such as endocarditis, immunosuppression, and bacteremia can set the stage for a spinal infection.
Infections of the skin, bones, or nearby tissues may spread into the spine’s protective layers.
Physical trauma to the spine can compromise natural barriers, increasing susceptibility to infection.
Uncontrolled blood sugar weakens immune function and is a known risk factor for spinal infections.
Elderly individuals face increased risks due to diminished immune response and coexisting health issues.
“Most cases settle, but each of our cases is prepared as if it’s going to trial. The insurance companies know it and so do the defense lawyers defending them. That’s why we get such great results for our clients.”
Recognizing a spinal epidural abscess in its earliest stages can dramatically alter the outcome. When caught quickly, these infections can often be managed with antibiotics and surgical intervention. A spinal epidural abscess (SEA) involves bacterial infection in the space surrounding the spinal cord, where accumulating pus and inflammation can exert dangerous pressure on critical nerve structures. If this condition is missed or left untreated, the result may include irreversible nerve damage, paralysis, or life-threatening complications like sepsis. Even short delays in diagnosis or treatment can make the difference between full recovery and permanent disability.
Medical professionals are expected to recognize red flags and respond appropriately. When they fail to do so, the consequences can be devastating.
Negligence may involve:
While anyone can develop this condition, some patients are more vulnerable when healthcare standards are unmet.
Procedures involving the spine, such as epidural injections or back surgeries, carry a risk of infection, especially if sterile protocols are ignored or technical errors occur during administration.
If an epidural is administered by someone lacking the necessary training or if preparation is inadequate, bacteria may be introduced into the spinal space, significantly increasing the risk of an abscess.
Patients who have recently undergone back surgery or invasive procedures involving the spinal column are at greater risk, particularly when postoperative care is rushed or incomplete.
Individuals with conditions like diabetes, cancer, or those undergoing chemotherapy are more susceptible to infection and complications from spinal abscesses due to reduced immune defenses.
These behaviors heighten the risk of systemic infections, which can spread to the spine and lead to an abscess.
Autoimmune conditions and diseases that impair the immune response, such as Crohn’s disease or primary immunodeficiency, make individuals more vulnerable to developing severe infections.
These chronic conditions weaken the immune system and complicate recovery, increasing the likelihood of severe outcomes if an abscess forms.
When a preventable injury occurs, families deserve answers and support. We investigate whether your care team upheld their duty and whether protocols were breached. Our legal team works with medical experts, reviews hospital records, and builds a compelling case on your behalf.
We handle the legal stress so you can focus on recovery. Our approach is thorough, compassionate, and aggressive when necessary. We do not back down from hospitals or insurers when your rights are on the line.
Depending on your circumstances, compensation may cover:
Oregon law places strict time limits on filing medical negligence claims, which makes it critical to consult an attorney as soon as possible. Our firm can advise you of these deadlines and ensure everything is filed correctly and on time.
Medical errors can’t be undone, but taking legal action can bring closure and help you move forward. At Paulson Coletti, we seek justice for patients and families harmed by preventable medical failures. Call us today at 503-226-6361 or use our secure contact form to schedule a free consultation.
We’ll walk you through your next steps, answer your questions, and advocate for the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
At Paulson Coletti, a local firm based in Oregon, justice is our mission. As experienced trial attorneys, we fight for injury victims across Oregon and Washington, holding negligent parties accountable. With a proven track record in and out of the courtroom, we are dedicated to securing fair compensation for our clients. We take a client-centered approach, focusing on cases we believe in and delivering results that matter. No fees unless we win-because justice should never come with financial risk.
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John and Lisa were extremely helpful with my family as we navigated damages sustained in a tragic car accident. They were very knowledgeable throughout the entire process. Their communication and empathy to our situation was greatly appreciated.
I can’t imagine working our way through the tragedy without them by our side. I would highly recommend Paulson and Coletti!
Working with John was an excellent experience from start to finish. He fought long and hard to secure a fair and just settlement in our case, and his dedication never wavered. John and his staff were consistently considerate, helpful, and communicative throughout the entire process, always taking the time to answer our questions and keep us informed. Given the complicated and sensitive nature of our case, I’m truly grateful we had John in our corner. Thanks to his hard work and expertise, we achieved a better outcome than we could have hoped for.
I had an excellent experience working with Jane and her team on my accident case. From start to finish, their team was professional, responsive, and genuinely cared about getting the best possible outcome for me.
I highly recommend Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys to anyone who needs legal representation. They made a stressful situation much easier to navigate, and I’m extremely grateful for everything they did for me.
I recently engaged John Coletti to represent me in a challenging legal matter, and I cannot recommend him highly enough. From our initial consultation, it was evident that John possessed an exceptional depth of knowledge, strategic acumen, and unwavering dedication to his clients. He took the time to thoroughly understand the nuances of our case, explaining complex legal concepts in clear, accessible terms while always keeping me informed and involved throughout the process.
John not only delivered outstanding results but also provided compassionate support during what could have been an overwhelming stressful time.
If you’re seeking an attorney who combines professionalism, integrity, and proven success, look no further than John Coletti.
My family is profoundly grateful for his representation.
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This page has been written, edited, and fact-checked by our team of legal writers in accordance with our editorial guidelines. It has been approved by partners Jane Paulson and John Coletti—respected trial attorneys with decades of experience representing personal injury victims.
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