Portland Epidural Abscess Lawyer

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.

Legal Help for Epidural Abscess Injuries in Portland

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.

What Is an Epidural Abscess?

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.

Causes and Risk Factors

Bacterial Infections

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.

Fungal or Parasitic Infections

Though rare, certain fungal or parasitic organisms can result in an epidural abscess under the right conditions.

Unknown Source

In some cases, the precise origin of the infection remains unknown, despite thorough medical evaluation.

Spreading Through the Bloodstream (Hematogenous Spread)

Bacteria can travel through the bloodstream and infect the epidural space, especially in individuals with systemic infections.

Contiguous Spread

Infections originating in nearby tissues, such as psoas, paraspinal, or retropharyngeal abscesses, may extend into the spinal area.

Direct Entry

Spinal surgeries, epidural injections, or catheter placements can create a direct pathway for bacteria to enter the epidural space.

Weakened Immune System

Conditions like diabetes, HIV, cirrhosis, kidney disease, and certain cancers lower immune defenses and raise the likelihood of infection.

Intravenous Drug Abuse

IV drug use poses a substantial risk by introducing bacteria into the bloodstream, often bypassing natural barriers.

Spinal Procedures

Recent surgeries, epidural anesthesia, or spinal trauma involving hardware or catheters elevate infection risk.

Other Medical Conditions

Chronic illnesses such as endocarditis, immunosuppression, and bacteremia can set the stage for a spinal infection.

Local Infections

Infections of the skin, bones, or nearby tissues may spread into the spine’s protective layers.

Trauma

Physical trauma to the spine can compromise natural barriers, increasing susceptibility to infection.

Diabetes Mellitus

Uncontrolled blood sugar weakens immune function and is a known risk factor for spinal infections.

Age

Elderly individuals face increased risks due to diminished immune response and coexisting health issues.

Common Symptoms and How It’s Diagnosed

Common symptoms:

• Back Pain: Severe, localized, or radiating back pain is often one of the earliest symptoms. It may be accompanied by tenderness over the affected spinal area.
• Fever: A high fever can signal an active infection and should not be ignored in conjunction with spinal discomfort.
• Neurological Deficits: These may include numbness, weakness, or tingling sensations in the limbs. In advanced cases, paralysis is possible if the spinal cord becomes compressed.
• Headache: Some patients report severe headaches that may accompany nausea or vomiting, adding to diagnostic confusion.
• Bladder or Bowel Dysfunction: Loss of control over bowel or bladder function is a critical warning sign and often points to neurological involvement.
• Other Symptoms: General signs such as fatigue, chills, appetite loss, and confusion (particularly if the infection spreads to the bloodstream) may also be present.

Diagnosis:

• Clinical Examination: Physicians start by reviewing the patient’s symptoms and history. They will examine the spine for tenderness and assess neurological responses.
• Imaging Studies: (MRI) Magnetic Resonance Imaging is the gold standard for identifying abscesses and spinal cord involvement. (CT Scan) When an MRI isn’t available or feasible, a CT scan offers a valuable alternative for visualizing internal structures.
• Blood Tests: Complete Blood Count (CBC). An elevated white blood cell count may indicate infection. Blood Cultures. These help identify the organism responsible for the infection, guiding antibiotic therapy. Urinalysis and Culture. These tests assist in ruling out urinary sources of infection.

Why Early Detection Matters

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 Negligence and Epidural Abscesses

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:

• Surgical Procedures: Poor hygiene or lapses in sterile technique during spinal surgeries, such as back operations or lumbar punctures, can allow bacteria to enter the epidural space, triggering a dangerous infection.
• Delayed Diagnosis: Overlooking classic signs like fever, back pain, or neurological decline can delay treatment and raise the risk of long-term complications.
• Failure to Order Necessary Tests: When medical teams don’t order timely imaging like MRIs or CT scans, critical opportunities for diagnosis may be missed, worsening patient outcomes.

Who Is at Risk for Epidural Abscess from Medical Malpractice?

While anyone can develop this condition, some patients are more vulnerable when healthcare standards are unmet.

Individuals Who Have Had Epidurals or Spinal Surgeries

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.

Poorly Trained or Unprepared Medical Staff

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.

Recent Invasive Spinal Procedures

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.

Weakened Immune Systems

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.

Intravenous Drug or Alcohol Abuse

These behaviors heighten the risk of systemic infections, which can spread to the spine and lead to an abscess.

Immunodeficiency Disorders

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.

Chronic Renal Failure and Cancer

These chronic conditions weaken the immune system and complicate recovery, increasing the likelihood of severe outcomes if an abscess forms.

How Our Portland Medical Malpractice Lawyers Can Help

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.

Compensation for Epidural Abscess Injuries in Oregon

Depending on your circumstances, compensation may cover:

• Medical expenses (past and future).
• Lost income or reduced earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering.
• Disability and long-term care needs.
• Loss of quality of life.

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.

Speak to a Portland Epidural Abscess Attorney Today

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.

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.