Debilitating pain. Numbness and tingling. Muscle weakness. If you're experiencing these symptoms of nerve damage after a medical procedure, you may be wondering: Was this caused by my doctor's mistake—and if so, do I have any recourse? When healthcare professionals fail to provide proper care, the consequences can be life-altering. But not every complication is proof of negligence.

At Meyers, Rodbell & Rosenbaum, we understand the devastating impact of nerve injuries caused by medical negligence. Our experienced DMV Maryland medical malpractice lawyers have helped countless victims fight for the compensation they deserve. Here's how to tell if you may have a valid medical malpractice claim for nerve damage.

What Types of Nerve Damage Can Result from Medical Negligence?

Nerves are delicate structures that can be damaged by even slight errors during surgery or other treatments. Some of the most common nerve injuries stemming from medical malpractice include:

  • Severed nerves. Surgical slips can completely cut through nerves, causing immediate loss of sensation and function.

  • Stretched nerves. Over-manipulation during procedures can overextend and damage nerves.

  • Compressed nerves. Improper positioning or prolonged pressure can compress nerves, leading to chronic pain.

Long-Term Effects of Nerve Damage

While some nerve damage may heal with time and treatment, severe injuries can result in permanent impairments such as:

  • Chronic neuropathic pain

  • Paralysis of affected limbs

  • Loss of sensation and reflexes

  • Muscle atrophy and weakness

  • Organ dysfunction

These lasting consequences don't just cause physical suffering—they can also lead to astronomical medical bills, lost income, and diminished quality of life. The financial burden can be overwhelming, especially when coupled with the emotional trauma of realizing your trust in a medical professional was misplaced. That's why it's crucial to understand your rights if you suspect medical negligence caused your condition.

How Do You Prove Medical Malpractice Caused Nerve Damage?

Medical malpractice cases involving nerve injuries are inherently complicated. Successfully recovering compensation requires proving four key elements:

  1. Duty of care. You must show a doctor-patient relationship existed, creating a duty for the provider to adhere to accepted standards of care.

  2. Breach of duty. Evidence must demonstrate that the doctor deviated from the standard of care that a reasonably competent provider would follow under similar circumstances.

  3. Causation. You need to draw a direct line connecting the doctor's negligence to your nerve damage—a challenging task when multiple factors are at play. This often requires testimony from medical experts who can analyze your records and identify the precise missteps that led to your injury.

  4. Damages. Proof of the physical, emotional, and financial harm you've suffered due to the at-fault provider's actions is essential. This includes documenting your pain, limitations, medical expenses, and other losses to demonstrate the extent of your damages.

Building a Strong Nerve Damage Malpractice Case

Meeting this burden of proof requires in-depth legal and medical knowledge. An experienced medical malpractice attorney can investigate to uncover key evidence, such as:

  • Medical records documenting the substandard care

  • Expert witness testimony from medical specialists

  • Proof of prior sanctions against the provider

  • Witness statements regarding the incident

This process takes skill, connections, and resources—which is why having the right law firm by your side can make all the difference. A knowledgeable malpractice lawyer will know what evidence to look for, which experts to consult, and how to craft a compelling case strategy tailored to your unique situation.

What Damages Can You Seek in a Nerve Damage Malpractice Claim?

If you've suffered nerve damage due to medical negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages, including:

  • Medical expenses. This includes all costs related to treating your nerve injury, such as hospital bills, medication, physical therapy, and assistive devices. In cases of permanent damage, you may also recover projected costs of future medical care.

  • Lost income. Nerve damage often leads to missed work and reduced earning capacity. You can seek reimbursement for both past and future lost wages, as well as any employment benefits you've lost due to your injury.

  • Pain and suffering. The physical pain and emotional anguish caused by nerve damage can be immense. While no amount of money can erase this suffering, you can pursue damages for the ways your injury has diminished your quality of life.

  • Disability accommodations. If your nerve damage has left you with permanent impairments, you may need to modify your home or vehicle to accommodate your condition. These costs can be included in your malpractice claim.

Advocating for Maryland Malpractice Victims

At Meyers, Rodbell & Rosenbaum, we've seen the heartbreaking impact that negligent medical care has on victims and their families. We believe no one should have to pay the price for a healthcare provider's preventable errors. That's why we fight tirelessly to help malpractice victims pursue accountability and secure the full, fair compensation they deserve.

Our team of skilled DMV medical malpractice lawyers has a proven track record of success in complex medical malpractice cases. We have the knowledge and resources to thoroughly investigate your claim, consult with renowned medical experts, and build a persuasive case on your behalf. You can count on us to provide the personalized attention, compassionate guidance, and tireless advocacy you need during this challenging time.