Orthopedic Injury Malpractice Attorney in NYC
The musculoskeletal system incorporates all the bones, ligaments, joints, tendons, cartilage, and muscles of the human body. In its normal uninjured and undamaged use, this system allows not only the most involuntary of movements but the most amazing of athletic endeavors, such as the ability to complete a triathlon or hit a hole in one on the most challenging golf course. Working together, these components of the musculoskeletal system not only protect the vital organs of the body (the heart, lungs, brain, etc.) but they coordinate smoothly to allow for movement and to provide support for the body’s functions. When injuries occur, it is important to have quality, competent medical care. When injuries are exacerbated by medical negligence, a person’s life can be deeply affected. Mark L. Bodner, P.C. is a nationally-known medical malpractice law firm serving victims of medical negligence in New York City. If you believe you have a case, we are ready to serve. Contact us for a consultation to discuss your legal matter.
The Skeleton and Muscles – A Coordinated Effort
The skeletal system is comprised of hundreds of bones of various sizes, joined together by ligaments, tendons, muscles, and cartilage. Together, these bones form the human skeleton providing a frame within which the body’s remaining systems are free to function (neurological system, digestive system, respiratory system, circulatory system, etc.)
The muscular system is made up of clusters of fibers, or muscles, that allow movement by their coordinated contraction and relaxation. The human body has over 600 muscles. These are attached to the body’s skeleton, pulling the body’s parts in movements directed by the neurological system, specifically, the brain.
There are three types of muscles: cardiac, skeletal, and smooth. Smooth muscles are not consciously controlled. They enable the automatic bodily functions such as breathing and swallowing. Cardiac muscles are those specific to the heart, providing the necessary contraction and relaxation needed for the heart to pump properly. Skeletal muscles can be consciously controlled and allow individual movement with precision.
The Need for Competent Medical Care
Accidents cause many orthopedic injuries requiring medical attention, especially ones involving serious falls, workplace accidents, car crashes, and sporting events. Athletes expect to incur musculoskeletal injuries as a part of their efforts, and employers anticipate on the job orthopedic injuries with insurance coverage and safety regulations.
However, a growing segment of the orthopedic community is diagnosing and treating conditions related to the deterioration of the musculoskeletal system through its use over time. As the population ages, more and more orthopedic surgeons are dealing with issues resulting from bone deterioration and disease, as well as extended use involving such conditions as the wearing down of discs and spinal fusion.
Musculoskeletal conditions and injuries are commonplace today, with the most common including:
- Injuries to the shoulder – rotator cuff injury
- Injuries to the shoulder – tendonitis
- Injuries to the spine – slipped disc
- Deterioration of the spine – herniated disc
- Deterioration of the spine – lumbar spinal stenosis
- Injuries to the knee – anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury
- Injuries to the knee – posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury
- Injuries to the wrist – carpal tunnel syndrome
Possible cases for medical malpractice
Knowing if you have a case of medical malpractice is important. Discussing this matter with an attorney is best. Orthopedic medical malpractice can occur in various situations, including, but not limited to:
- Improper treatment of a fracture
- Improper treatment of a broken bone
- Improper treatment of back pain
- Failure to properly diagnose or treat arthritis
- Improper joint replacement surgery
- Use of faulty materials in joint replacement surgery
- Improper hip replacement surgery
- Use of faulty materials in hip replacement surgery
Improper medical care can result in permanent disability, pain and suffering, and a compromised lifestyle. Even the placement of a cast too tightly upon a broken arm or leg can result in permanent nerve damage and loss of full use of the limb. Errors during orthopedic surgery can result in amputation, loss of the arm or leg, and even death.
Orthopedic surgeons can cause devastating harm when they make mistakes during surgical procedures, particularly those involving the lumbar spine or the legs. Even their minor medical errors can result in paralysis, uneven limbs, chronic pain, and sometimes even death.
Orthopedic Negligence Can Be Permanent and Life-Changing
When medical malpractice occurs after a serious orthopedic injury, the results can be catastrophic. Improper, negligent, substandard orthopedic medical treatment can permanently harm an individual’s ability to move and function. It may also doom him or her to a life of chronic, severe pain. Failure on the part of a substandard, negligent health care provider at a hospital, clinic, or treatment facility, can have a heart wrenching and catastrophic impact upon an individual as well as their loved ones. Justice must be served.
Contact an experienced orthopedic injury med mal attorney
Mark L. Bodner, P.C. is a New York medical malpractice law firm with over 35 years of experience fighting for the rights of patients and families who have suffered from the medical treatment that they have received after suffering serious injury in the treatment of orthopedic injuries, diseases, and conditions. If you or someone you love may have suffered from errors in the medical or health care diagnosis or treatment of a serious orthopedic injury, please feel free to contact our firm for a free consultation to discuss your legal matter with an experienced medical malpractice attorney.