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Lumbar Puncture Brain Injury Claims NY
A lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap, is one of the most common diagnostic procedures performed in hospitals throughout New York. While generally safe when performed correctly, medical errors during or surrounding this procedure can result in catastrophic brain injuries. When healthcare providers fail to follow proper protocols, assess contraindications, or monitor patients appropriately, they may be held liable for resulting harm.
Key Takeaways
- Brain herniation risk: Performing lumbar puncture on patients with increased intracranial pressure can cause fatal brain herniation
- Common complications: Post-dural puncture headaches affect 10-40% of patients depending on technique and needle size
- Nerve damage consequences: Improper technique can result in permanent paralysis, loss of bowel/bladder control, and cauda equina syndrome
- Legal time limits: New York medical malpractice claims must generally be filed within 2.5 years of the injury
- Proving negligence: Successful claims require demonstrating the provider breached the standard of care and caused measurable harm
What Is a Lumbar Puncture?
A lumbar puncture is a medical procedure where a healthcare provider inserts a needle into the spinal canal in the lower back to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or measure spinal fluid pressure. The procedure serves several critical diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including diagnosing meningitis, detecting subarachnoid hemorrhage, identifying multiple sclerosis, and measuring intracranial pressure.
During the procedure, the patient typically lies on their side in a fetal position or sits hunched forward. The provider identifies the space between lumbar vertebrae, typically between L3-L4 or L4-L5, sterilizes the area, administers local anesthetic, and carefully inserts a specialized needle into the subarachnoid space. Once properly positioned, cerebrospinal fluid flows through the needle for collection and analysis.
According to Merck Manual Professional Edition, lumbar puncture is generally safe when performed by experienced practitioners following appropriate protocols. However, the procedure carries inherent risks that increase significantly when proper precautions are not taken.
How Can Lumbar Punctures Cause Brain Injury?
Brain injuries from lumbar puncture procedures typically occur through three primary mechanisms: brain herniation from pressure changes, direct trauma to neural structures, and complications from bleeding or infection.
Brain Herniation and Increased Intracranial Pressure
The most catastrophic complication occurs when lumbar puncture is performed on patients with elevated intracranial pressure. When a needle creates an opening in the dura, cerebrospinal fluid escapes, creating a pressure gradient. In patients with mass lesions such as brain tumors, hematomas, or significant swelling, this pressure reduction can cause brain tissue to shift downward through natural openings in the skull.
Research published in the Sage Journals 2025 review examined cases of brain herniation following lumbar puncture in acute bacterial meningitis, including an infant who developed brain herniation within four hours of the procedure. The study emphasized that clinical signs of impending herniation must be carefully assessed before proceeding with lumbar puncture.
Medical providers have a duty to screen for contraindications before performing lumbar puncture. According to Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, if papilledema or focal neurologic deficits are present, CT or MRI imaging should be performed before lumbar puncture to exclude mass lesions that could precipitate transtentorial or cerebellar herniation.
Direct Nerve and Spinal Cord Trauma
Improper needle placement or technique can result in direct trauma to nerve roots or, in rare cases, the spinal cord itself. The cauda equina, a bundle of nerve roots at the lower end of the spinal cord, is particularly vulnerable to injury during lumbar puncture.
Cauda equina syndrome secondary to spinal epidural hematoma represents a rare but devastating complication that can result in permanent paraparesis and loss of sphincter control. When this condition develops, treatment delays of even 48 hours can produce irreversible neurological damage.
Hemorrhagic Complications
Bleeding complications during or after lumbar puncture can compress neural structures and cause secondary brain injury. Patients on anticoagulation therapy face significantly elevated risks of spinal epidural hematoma formation. Medical providers must carefully assess coagulation status and medication history before proceeding with the procedure.
What Are the Most Common Complications of Lumbar Puncture?
Understanding the full spectrum of lumbar puncture complications helps patients recognize when something has gone wrong and medical negligence may have occurred.
Post-Dural Puncture Headache
The most common complication, affecting 10-40% of patients according to StatPearls. These headaches typically begin 1-2 days after the procedure and worsen when sitting or standing. A 2022 prospective study found PDPH occurred in 29.5% of 285 consecutive procedures, with symptoms lasting an average of 2.4 days.
Nerve Damage and Radiculopathy
Direct needle trauma to nerve roots can cause persistent pain radiating down the legs, numbness, tingling, or weakness. In severe cases, patients may experience permanent sensory deficits or motor impairment affecting their ability to walk or perform daily activities.
Brain Herniation
When performed on patients with increased intracranial pressure, lumbar puncture can precipitate life-threatening brain herniation. Clinical signs include deteriorating consciousness, pupillary changes, abnormal posturing, and irregular breathing patterns requiring immediate emergency intervention.
Spinal Hematoma
Blood collection in the epidural or subdural space can compress the spinal cord and nerve roots. Patients may develop progressive weakness, sensory loss, and bowel/bladder dysfunction requiring emergency surgical decompression to prevent permanent paralysis.
According to research published in BMC Neurology, the incidence of post-dural puncture headache varies significantly based on needle specifications: 70% with 16-19 gauge needles, 40% with 20-22 gauge needles, and 12% with 24-27 gauge needles. This data demonstrates how provider choices regarding equipment directly impact complication rates.
When Is Lumbar Puncture Medical Negligence?
Not every complication from a lumbar puncture constitutes medical malpractice. New York law requires proof that the healthcare provider’s conduct fell below the accepted standard of care and directly caused injury to the patient.
Important Legal Distinction
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider’s treatment falls below the accepted standard of care in the medical community. A poor outcome alone does not establish negligence. Patients must prove through expert testimony that a competent provider in the same specialty would have acted differently under the circumstances.
Failure to Screen for Contraindications
Healthcare providers must evaluate patients for absolute and relative contraindications before proceeding with lumbar puncture. Performing the procedure despite known contraindications may constitute negligence.
| Contraindication Type | Examples | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Absolute Contraindications | Skin infection at puncture site, suspected mass lesion with midline shift | Procedure should not be performed under any circumstances |
| Relative Contraindications | Coagulopathy, thrombocytopenia, anticoagulant therapy | Procedure may proceed only after careful risk-benefit analysis and corrective measures |
| Clinical Warning Signs | Papilledema, focal neurologic deficits, deteriorating consciousness (GCS ≤11) | Brain imaging required before lumbar puncture to rule out mass effect |
According to Queen’s University medical education materials, absolute contraindications include skin infection over the puncture site and brain mass causing increased intracranial pressure. Proceeding with lumbar puncture in these circumstances represents a clear deviation from the standard of care.
Improper Technique and Inadequate Training
Lumbar puncture requires specific technical skills acquired through supervised training. Negligence may occur when:
- Inexperienced residents perform procedures without adequate supervision
- Multiple attempts cause unnecessary trauma to tissues and nerves
- Providers use improper needle size or equipment for the patient’s anatomy
- Sterile technique failures lead to infectious complications
- Incorrect patient positioning prevents safe access to the subarachnoid space
Research indicates that the number of lumbar puncture attempts represents an independent risk factor for post-dural puncture headache, as documented in Perioperative Medicine. Multiple unsuccessful attempts suggest inadequate skill or supervision.
Failure to Obtain Informed Consent
Patients have a legal right to understand the risks, benefits, and alternatives to any medical procedure. Healthcare providers must explain:
- The purpose and necessity of the lumbar puncture
- Common risks including headache, infection, bleeding, and nerve injury
- Rare but serious complications such as brain herniation or paralysis
- Alternative diagnostic or therapeutic approaches
- What to expect during and after the procedure
Proceeding without proper informed consent, or providing inadequate information about risks, may support a medical malpractice claim even if the procedure was performed skillfully.
Inadequate Post-Procedure Monitoring
Medical negligence can occur after the lumbar puncture if healthcare providers fail to:
- Monitor for signs of increased intracranial pressure or herniation
- Recognize and treat severe post-dural puncture headaches appropriately
- Identify and respond to developing neurological deficits
- Order imaging when red flag symptoms develop
- Provide clear discharge instructions about warning signs requiring immediate return
According to medical malpractice attorneys, delays in recognizing and treating complications can be as damaging as errors during the procedure itself.
What Types of Brain Injuries Result from Lumbar Puncture Negligence?
The brain injuries resulting from lumbar puncture complications range from temporary impairment to permanent disability and death. Understanding these injury patterns helps patients and families recognize when negligence may have occurred.
Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury
When brain herniation occurs, it can compress blood vessels supplying oxygen to critical brain structures. This oxygen deprivation causes cell death in affected areas. The extent of injury depends on how quickly the herniation is recognized and treated. Even brief periods of compression can cause permanent damage to the brainstem, which controls vital functions including breathing and consciousness.
Traumatic Brain Injury from Herniation
Brain herniation creates mechanical trauma as brain tissue is forced through confined anatomical spaces. The uncus (part of the temporal lobe) may herniate through the tentorial notch, compressing the third cranial nerve and causing pupillary changes. Tonsillar herniation forces the cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum, compressing the medulla oblongata and potentially causing respiratory arrest.
Survivors of brain herniation often experience severe cognitive impairments, personality changes, memory deficits, and physical disabilities. Many require lifelong care and never regain their pre-injury level of function.
Spinal Cord Injury
While technically not brain injury, cauda equina syndrome and spinal cord trauma from lumbar puncture complications produce devastating neurological deficits that dramatically impact quality of life:
- Permanent paralysis of the lower extremities
- Loss of bowel and bladder control requiring ongoing catheterization
- Sexual dysfunction and loss of sensation below the level of injury
- Chronic neuropathic pain resistant to conventional treatments
- Inability to work or perform activities of daily living
Cleveland Clinic emphasizes that cauda equina syndrome represents a surgical emergency requiring decompression within 48 hours to maximize functional recovery. Delays in diagnosis or treatment can result in permanent deficits.
Infectious Brain Injuries
Failure to maintain sterile technique during lumbar puncture can introduce bacteria into the cerebrospinal fluid, causing meningitis or brain abscess. These infections can produce:
- Diffuse brain swelling and increased intracranial pressure
- Stroke from inflammatory vascular changes
- Seizure disorders requiring lifelong medication
- Cognitive impairment and processing deficits
- Hydrocephalus requiring permanent shunt placement
How Do You Prove a Lumbar Puncture Malpractice Claim in New York?
Medical malpractice claims in New York require proof of four essential elements. Each element must be established through competent evidence, typically including expert medical testimony.
Duty of Care
The healthcare provider had a professional obligation to the patient. This is typically the easiest element to establish, as it exists once a doctor-patient relationship begins. Hospital records, consent forms, and billing records document this relationship.
Breach of Standard of Care
The provider’s actions fell below what a reasonably competent provider would do in similar circumstances. This requires expert testimony from qualified medical professionals in the same specialty explaining how the defendant’s care was substandard.
Causation
The breach directly caused the patient’s injuries. This is often the most contested element, as defendants may argue complications would have occurred regardless of their actions. Medical experts must explain the causal connection.
Damages
The patient suffered measurable harm including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, disability, or loss of quality of life. Documentation through medical records, employment records, and expert testimony regarding future needs establishes the extent of damages.
Certificate of Merit Requirement
New York law requires plaintiffs to file a Certificate of Merit when bringing medical malpractice claims. This certificate, prepared by a qualified medical expert, confirms that the expert has reviewed the case and determined there is a reasonable basis for the claim.
According to the Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Firm, this requirement prevents frivolous lawsuits while ensuring legitimate claims can proceed. The certificate must be filed within 90 days of filing the complaint or the case may be dismissed.
Expert Witness Requirements
New York courts require expert testimony to establish the standard of care in medical malpractice cases. The expert witness must:
- Be a licensed physician in the relevant specialty
- Have knowledge of the accepted standards of care for the procedure in question
- Be able to explain technical medical concepts to a jury in understandable terms
- Provide opinions based on a reasonable degree of medical certainty
For lumbar puncture cases, appropriate expert witnesses typically include neurologists, neurosurgeons, anesthesiologists, or emergency medicine physicians with extensive experience performing and supervising these procedures.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Lumbar Puncture Brain Injury Claims?
Time limits strictly govern when medical malpractice lawsuits can be filed in New York. Missing these deadlines generally bars recovery regardless of the strength of your case.
Critical Deadline
New York generally requires medical malpractice claims to be filed within two years and six months from the date of the alleged malpractice or the end of continuous treatment for the same condition. However, multiple exceptions can extend or modify these deadlines, making prompt consultation with an attorney essential.
Standard Limitations Period
According to New York Civil Practice Law and Rules Section 214-A, actions for medical malpractice must be commenced within two years and six months of the act, omission, or failure complained of, or from the end of continuous treatment for the same illness, injury, or condition which gave rise to the alleged malpractice.
Continuous Treatment Doctrine
When a patient receives ongoing treatment from the same provider for the condition related to the malpractice, the statute of limitations may not begin running until that treatment relationship ends. This doctrine recognizes that patients often continue seeing the same doctor who committed malpractice, delaying discovery of the negligence.
For lumbar puncture brain injury cases, continuous treatment might include:
- Ongoing neurological monitoring and treatment by the hospital or physician who performed the procedure
- Follow-up appointments to address complications from the lumbar puncture
- Treatment for the underlying condition that necessitated the lumbar puncture
Courts examine whether treatment was continuous and related to the same condition. Sporadic appointments or treatment of unrelated conditions typically do not extend the limitations period.
Discovery Rule and Foreign Objects
In rare cases involving foreign objects left in the body during a procedure, New York law provides for a one-year limitations period from discovery of the object. While uncommon with lumbar puncture, this exception might apply if a broken needle fragment remained in the spinal canal undetected.
Exceptions for Minors
Special rules apply to medical malpractice claims involving children. According to Block O’Toole & Murphy, claims for minor children must be filed within the earlier of:
- Ten years from the date of the alleged malpractice, or
- Two and a half years after the child turns 18
This extended timeframe recognizes that brain injuries in children may not manifest their full impact until years later as developmental milestones are missed.
Mental Disability Exception
New York law tolls (suspends) the statute of limitations for individuals who are mentally incapacitated. For patients who suffered severe brain injury from lumbar puncture malpractice rendering them legally incompetent, the limitations period does not begin running until they regain capacity or a guardian is appointed.
Claims Against Government Hospitals
Different and much shorter deadlines apply when suing government entities operating public hospitals. Patients must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the injury when bringing claims against:
- New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation facilities
- State university hospitals
- County or municipal hospitals
- Veterans Administration facilities
These strict deadlines require immediate action. Failure to file timely notice generally bars the claim entirely, regardless of its merits.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Lumbar Puncture Brain Injury Case?
New York law permits recovery of both economic and non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases. The value of a case depends on the severity and permanence of injuries, age and earning capacity of the victim, and strength of liability evidence.
Economic Damages
Economic damages compensate for measurable financial losses including:
| Damage Category | What It Covers | Documentation Required |
|---|---|---|
| Past Medical Expenses | Emergency treatment, hospitalizations, surgeries, medications, medical equipment | Medical bills, insurance statements, prescription records |
| Future Medical Expenses | Lifetime care needs, surgeries, therapies, medications, attendant care, medical equipment | Life care plan prepared by medical experts, testimony from treating physicians |
| Lost Wages | Income lost during recovery, reduced earning capacity | Employment records, tax returns, employer testimony |
| Future Lost Earning Capacity | Reduced ability to earn income over lifetime due to disability | Vocational expert testimony, economic analysis of lost earnings |
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses that cannot be precisely calculated:
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress from injuries and treatment
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in activities and hobbies that brought joy before the injury
- Loss of consortium: Damage to spousal relationship, loss of companionship and intimacy
- Disfigurement and disability: Permanent physical changes and functional limitations
- Mental anguish: Depression, anxiety, and psychological trauma from the injury
New York does not cap non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases, unlike some other states. Juries may award amounts they deem fair and reasonable based on the evidence presented.
Factors Affecting Case Value
Several factors influence the potential value of lumbar puncture brain injury claims:
- Severity and permanence of brain injury
- Age and life expectancy of the victim
- Pre-injury earning capacity and career prospects
- Need for lifetime attendant care or institutional placement
- Impact on family members and quality of life
- Strength of liability evidence and expert testimony
- Credibility and presentation of the plaintiff
Catastrophic brain injuries requiring lifetime care typically result in higher verdicts and settlements than temporary or partial disabilities. Cases with clear liability evidence where the provider’s negligence is undeniable also tend to achieve better results.
How to Choose a Brain Injury Lawyer for Your Lumbar Puncture Case
Medical malpractice cases involving brain injury require specialized legal and medical knowledge. Not all personal injury attorneys have the resources, experience, and expertise necessary to handle these complex claims effectively.
Medical Malpractice Experience
Look for attorneys who focus their practice on medical malpractice, not general personal injury. These cases require understanding of medical terminology, ability to review and analyze medical records, and relationships with qualified medical experts who can testify about the standard of care.
Brain Injury Knowledge
Attorneys should demonstrate specific experience with brain injury cases, including understanding of neurological deficits, rehabilitation needs, and life care planning. They should work with neurologists, neuropsychologists, and life care planners to fully document injuries.
Trial Experience
While many cases settle, your attorney should have proven trial experience. Insurance companies offer better settlements when they know the attorney has the skills and willingness to take the case to verdict. Ask about recent trial results in similar cases.
Resources to Handle Complex Cases
Medical malpractice litigation is expensive, requiring funds to hire multiple experts, obtain medical records, commission life care plans, and conduct extensive discovery. Ensure the firm has the financial resources to fully investigate and prosecute your claim.
Questions to Ask During Consultation
When meeting with potential attorneys, ask:
- How many medical malpractice cases have you handled involving brain injury?
- What were the results in recent similar cases?
- Which medical experts do you plan to retain for my case?
- How will you prove the standard of care was breached?
- What is your assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of my case?
- How long do these cases typically take to resolve?
- What costs will I be responsible for?
- How do you communicate with clients throughout the case?
Reputable attorneys provide honest assessments of your case, including potential challenges. Be wary of lawyers who guarantee specific results or seem overly optimistic without thoroughly reviewing your medical records.
Contingency Fee Arrangements
Most medical malpractice attorneys work on contingency, meaning they receive payment only if they recover compensation for you. In New York, attorney fees in medical malpractice cases are governed by statute and slide on a decreasing percentage scale:
- 30% of the first $250,000 recovered
- 25% of the next $250,000
- 20% of the next $500,000
- 15% of the next $250,000
- 10% of any amount over $1.25 million
These percentages may be adjusted in certain circumstances, but provide a framework for understanding legal costs. Your attorney should clearly explain the fee arrangement and what costs you may be responsible for regardless of outcome.
Steps to Take After a Lumbar Puncture Brain Injury
If you or a family member suffered brain injury following a lumbar puncture, taking prompt action protects both your health and legal rights.
Immediate Medical Priorities
Seek emergency medical attention immediately if you develop severe headache, altered mental status, vision changes, seizures, weakness, numbness, or loss of bowel/bladder control after a lumbar puncture. These symptoms may indicate serious complications requiring urgent intervention to prevent permanent injury.
Document Everything
Thorough documentation strengthens potential legal claims:
- Keep detailed records of all symptoms and how they impact daily activities
- Photograph any visible injuries or physical changes
- Maintain a medical journal documenting appointments, treatments, and conversations with providers
- Save all medical bills, prescription receipts, and insurance statements
- Document lost work time and wages
- Ask family members to write their observations about changes in your condition or behavior
Obtain Complete Medical Records
Request complete copies of all medical records related to the lumbar puncture and subsequent treatment. These records provide critical evidence about what occurred and whether proper procedures were followed. Under federal HIPAA law, healthcare providers must provide copies of your records upon request, though they may charge reasonable copying fees.
Preserve Evidence
Do not discard any physical evidence related to your care, including:
- Discharge instructions and patient education materials
- Prescription bottles and medication labels
- Medical equipment or supplies used in your care
- Consent forms signed before the procedure
Avoid Giving Recorded Statements
Insurance adjusters may contact you seeking recorded statements about the incident. Politely decline and refer them to your attorney. Statements made before you fully understand your injuries and legal rights can be used to undermine your claim later.
Consult an Attorney Promptly
Contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney as soon as you suspect negligence may have occurred. Early consultation allows the attorney to:
- Evaluate whether you have a viable claim before the statute of limitations expires
- Arrange for independent medical evaluation if needed
- Preserve evidence that might otherwise be lost
- Prevent you from making statements or taking actions that could harm your case
- Begin assembling the expert witnesses needed to support your claim
Initial consultations are typically free, allowing you to understand your options without financial commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to recover from a lumbar puncture brain injury?
Recovery time varies dramatically depending on the type and severity of injury. Minor complications like post-dural puncture headache typically resolve within 2-7 days, though some patients require an epidural blood patch for persistent symptoms. Brain herniation and cauda equina syndrome often cause permanent deficits despite treatment. Patients with hypoxic brain injury may spend months in rehabilitation with varying degrees of functional recovery. Neurological assessments over 6-12 months help establish the permanence of deficits and long-term prognosis.
Can you sue for a lumbar puncture headache?
Post-dural puncture headache alone does not establish medical malpractice, as it is a known complication that can occur even with proper technique. However, you may have a claim if the headache resulted from substandard care such as using an inappropriately large needle, making excessive needle passes, or failing to treat severe persistent headaches appropriately. If the headache is severe, prolonged, or results in complications requiring hospitalization or epidural blood patch, consultation with a medical malpractice attorney is warranted to evaluate whether negligence occurred.
What are the warning signs of brain herniation after lumbar puncture?
Warning signs of brain herniation include rapidly deteriorating level of consciousness, severe worsening headache, persistent vomiting, pupillary changes such as one dilated pupil, abnormal posturing with arms or legs, irregular breathing patterns, sudden onset of seizures, and profound weakness or paralysis. These symptoms constitute a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention. Any patient who develops these symptoms after lumbar puncture should be transported to the emergency department immediately, as hours can make the difference between survival and death or permanent disability.
Do I need a lawyer for a lumbar puncture injury case?
Medical malpractice cases are among the most complex areas of law, requiring extensive medical knowledge, expert witnesses, and substantial financial resources to litigate successfully. While not legally required to have an attorney, attempting to pursue a brain injury claim without experienced legal representation significantly reduces the likelihood of a favorable outcome. Insurance companies employ sophisticated defense attorneys who exploit procedural mistakes and evidentiary deficiencies. Most medical malpractice attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless they recover compensation for you.
How much is a lumbar puncture brain injury case worth?
Case values vary enormously based on injury severity, permanence of disability, age and earning capacity of the victim, and strength of liability evidence. Minor temporary injuries might settle for tens of thousands of dollars, while catastrophic permanent brain injury requiring lifetime care can result in verdicts or settlements in the millions. Factors affecting value include past and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and need for attendant care. An experienced medical malpractice attorney can provide a more specific valuation after reviewing your medical records and consulting with medical experts.
What if the hospital says the complication was unavoidable?
Healthcare providers frequently claim that complications were unavoidable or represented known risks of the procedure. This does not necessarily defeat a malpractice claim. The key legal question is whether the provider’s conduct met the standard of care, not whether complications can occur despite proper care. An independent medical expert review can determine whether the complication resulted from negligence such as failure to screen for contraindications, improper technique, or inadequate monitoring. Do not accept the hospital’s characterization without having your case evaluated by an experienced medical malpractice attorney and independent medical experts.
Can I sue if I signed a consent form?
Signing a consent form does not waive your right to sue for medical malpractice. Consent forms acknowledge that you were informed of the risks of a procedure, but they do not grant permission for negligent care. Healthcare providers remain obligated to meet the standard of care regardless of signed consents. Additionally, consent obtained without adequately explaining risks or alternatives, or from a patient who did not have capacity to consent, may not be legally valid. An attorney can evaluate whether the consent process was proper and whether it affects your ability to pursue a claim.
Experienced New York Brain Injury Lawyers
If you or a loved one suffered brain injury from a lumbar puncture or other hospital negligence in New York, our legal team can evaluate your case and explain your rights. We work with leading medical experts to hold negligent providers accountable.
Conclusion
Lumbar puncture is a common medical procedure that serves important diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. When performed correctly by trained providers following proper protocols, serious complications are rare. However, when healthcare providers fail to screen for contraindications, use improper technique, or inadequately monitor patients, devastating brain injuries can result.
Victims of medical negligence during or surrounding lumbar puncture procedures have legal rights to compensation for their injuries. New York law permits recovery of medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages when healthcare providers breach the standard of care. However, these claims are subject to strict time limits and complex procedural requirements.
If you believe you or a family member suffered brain injury due to negligent medical care involving a lumbar puncture, prompt consultation with an experienced medical malpractice attorney is essential to protect your rights and maximize your recovery.
