Neurosurgery Expert Witnesses

Reliable expert witnesses on cases of neurosurgery malpractice

Neurosurgery is a medical specialty concerned with the surgical treatment of disorders that affect the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, herniated discs, and aneurysms are common conditions that a neurosurgeon is trained to treat. They may also perform various procedures to treat neurological disorders like epilepsy or Parkinson's.

Neurosurgery requires extensive training and expertise. Neurosurgeons use specialized tools and techniques to access and manipulate the delicate and complex structures within the nervous system.

In the United States, neurosurgeons must complete a six- to seven-year residency program in neurosurgery, which includes extensive training in performing surgeries, making diagnoses, and managing patient care. After completing the residency, the trainee may choose to pursue additional fellowship training in a specific area of neurosurgery, such as neuro-oncology or pediatric neurosurgery. Board Certification in neurosurgery is administered by the American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS).

Neurosurgeon medical malpractice cases

Malpractice during brain or spinal cord surgery can have devastating consequences for the patient. Errors often result in severe injury or even death. Some examples of neurosurgery malpractice include:

• Operating on the wrong part of the brain or spinal cord.
• Damaging a nerve or blood vessel during surgery.
• Leaving a surgical instrument inside a patient's body.
• Failing to obtain informed consent before performing a procedure. Informed consent is critical in neurosurgery because the risk of complications is so high.

The neurosurgeon as an expert witness

In cases involving neurosurgery malpractice, an experienced neurosurgeon can explain the applicable standards of care for the surgery itself, deviations in how the surgery was performed, and whether a surgical error caused injury to the patient.

There are other types of injury and malpractice cases where a neurosurgeon expert witness can explain whether prompt surgical intervention could have helped the patient achieve a better outcome. For example, in a malpractice case involving failure to diagnose a stroke, a neurosurgeon can offer an opinion on whether an earlier diagnosis could have allowed a surgeon to treat the stroke successfully.

Neurosurgeons can also be expert witnesses in slip and fall and motor vehicle accident cases involving certain complications such as intracranial bleeding. A neurosurgeon can explain whether surgical intervention is required and explain the cost, potential complications, and long-term outlook for the patient.

Find the right expert for your potential case

For decades, Rieback Medical-Legal Consultants has been helping America’s finest attorneys find the experts they need for medical malpractice, birth injury, and personal injury cases. Our network includes Board-Certified neurosurgeons who are available for both consultations and deposition or trial testimony. Contact us today for a free case summary review.