In addition to the protection the vertebrae of the spine and the skull provide, your spinal cord and brain have liquid cushioning around them in the form of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This fluid is normally kept in place by three layers of meningeal membranes, but if you suffer trauma to your head, neck, or back, these membranes can tear, allowing the fluid to leak into other parts of your body and potentially even out of your body through your nose or ears.
CSF leaks are generally indicative of severe bodily trauma that could have debilitating or even deadly repercussions, and doctors who do not properly treat such a problem may be held civilly liable for their failure to meet the standard of care. However, claims of this nature can be difficult to pursue without a seasoned malpractice attorney’s help. If you suspect your physicians acted negligently in diagnosing or treating a CSF-related issue, it is a good idea to contact a Miami cerebrospinal fluid leak lawyer from Kaire & Heffernan as soon as possible.
Spinal CSF leaks can stem from direct injuries to the spine, bone spurs on the vertebrae, complications from certain medical procedures such as epidurals or spinal taps, and abnormal connections between the meningeal membranes and other parts of the body. They typically cause symptoms that are worse when a person is standing compared to lying down, and these may include pain in the shoulder, neck, or back of the head, as well as hearing problems or tinnitus and changes in vision.
Cranial CSF leaks commonly stem from external trauma and often correlate with traumatic brain injuries, but they can also result from surgical complications, inner ear problems, and any medical condition that causes increased pressure on the brain or inside the skull. The most obvious symptom of this type of CSF leak is drainage of a clear, watery substance from the ears or nostrils. Our Miami cerebrospinal fluid leak attorneys can also help incorporate issues such as meningitis and hearing loss into a lawsuit or settlement demand.
In addition to ensuring they perform surgical operations and other medical procedures correctly so that they do not inadvertently cause CSF leaks themselves, healthcare providers are expected to know the early warning signs of CSF leaks and promptly provide appropriate treatment when they arise. A failure in either regard may constitute legally actionable malpractice, making negligent providers liable to pay for damages such as:
However, malpractice lawsuits are complex even by the usual standards of personal injury litigation. Working with one of our experienced Miami lawyers will be vital to taking effective legal action over a mismanaged CSF leak.
CSF leaks are already dangerous on their own, but they can also signify serious trauma to sensitive parts of the central nervous system. Either way, you have the right to expect that the doctors you seek emergency care from for this type of problem will be responsible, considerate, and skillful in treating you.
If your doctors failed to provide medical treatment within that standard of care, a Miami cerebrospinal fluid leak lawyer from Kaire & Heffernan can help you explore and, if necessary, enforce your rights under state law. Call today to set up a meeting.
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