Portland Spinal Abscess Lawyer
Spinal Cord Injury Caused by Failure to Diagnose & Treat
Delay in treating a spinal epidural abscess (SEA) can lead to permanent disability or death, which is why a prompt and accurate diagnosis is so important. Although difficult to diagnose, SEA is detectable and treatable. Unfortunately, many patients have to make multiple hospital or ER visits before the abscess is detected. By the second, third, or subsequent visit, it may be too late to reverse the damage. This type of scenario may warrant a Portland medical malpractice lawsuit. If this has happened to you or a loved one, we invite you to contact Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC for a free evaluation of your case.
A Clark County diesel mechanic was months away from completing 30 years of service when a medical emergency changed everything. The infection, a spinal epidural abscess, can rapidly compress the spinal cord and requires prompt treatment. He arrived at the emergency department by ambulance with new-onset paralysis beginning at the T7 level of his spine.Portland Medical Malpractice: Spinal Abscess
An emergency physician recognized an acute neurological decline and ordered imaging. Delays followed when hospital staff were unable to determine whether the spinal cord stimulator was MRI-compatible. The issue was not escalated. No device representative was contacted. Staff waited for authorization from an out-of-town physician while the patient remained in the emergency department. No spine surgeon or neurosurgeon was consulted despite available coverage.
The patient remained in the emergency department for nearly 17 hours as his paralysis progressed. When imaging was performed, it focused on the wrong region of the spine and did not identify the condition. He was later transferred, where imaging confirmed a spinal epidural abscess compressing the spinal cord. Surgery occurred more than 27 hours after arrival; by then, the injury was permanent.
The delay resulted in lasting neurological damage and limited mobility. He attempted to return to work, but complications forced him to stop.
This case reflects a critical failure in emergency care. Known signs of neurological decline were identified but not acted upon with urgency. Delays in imaging, consultation, and escalation allowed a treatable condition to progress. When timely intervention is required, inaction leads to permanent harm. At Paulson Coletti, we pursue these cases because delays in emergency care have consequences that cannot be undone; a Portland jury agreed, returning a verdict of $10 million.
The Facts About Spinal Epidural Abscess (SEA)
What exactly is a spinal abscess? SEA forms near the spinal column, specifically, in a space within the spine known as “epidural space.” Abscesses are pus-filled capsules that typically arise out of bacterial infections.
- What causes SEA?
We already mentioned that bacterial infections cause these spinal abscesses, but specifically what types of bacteria? In many cases, the bacteria leading to SEA is staphylococcus aureus (the bacteria that often causes staph infections). - Who is at risk for SEA?
Although anyone can get SEA, some individuals are more prone than others. Research has found that people who drink frequently, are diabetic, are frequent drug users, have diabetes, or recently had surgery are most at risk for developing this condition. - How do these abscesses harm the patient?
SEA blocks the normal flow of the veins and arteries that comprise the spinal column. The abscesses also put pressure on spinal fibers, causing them to shut down and fail to function as they should. Something else that harms the spinal cells in the event of an abscess is inflammatory mediator cells.
SEA is incredibly difficult to diagnose because there is no uniform set of symptoms. The one common thread would be back pain, but back pain can be indicative of a number of different conditions other than SEA. According to research, three out of every four patients with spinal abscess is not diagnosed promptly due to confusion regarding the symptoms.
Contacting an Experienced Spinal Abscess Attorney
Blaming failure to diagnose spinal epidural abscess on medical negligence can be difficult. Like any medical malpractice case, SEA cases are extremely complex and should be evaluated by an experienced medical malpractice attorney. Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC is one of the most experienced malpractice firms in the region, with recognition in “Best Law Firms” and a “Lawyer of the Year” vote both in the practice area of medical malpractice – plaintiffs. Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC will evaluate the merits of your case for free, so contact us today to learn more.
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.