Can I Claim Compensation for an Injury to my Femoral Nerve?
If you are suffering the long-term effects of damage to your femoral nerve caused by your hysterectomy, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact us at Glynns Solicitors today to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
Surgical damage to the femoral nerve
Hysterectomy surgery carries a number of risks, one of which is damage to the femoral nerve. The location of the femoral nerve, threading through the pelvic area down to the legs, makes it especially susceptible to injury.
Damage can be caused during a hysterectomy in a number of ways but, most frequently, it is a result of compression of the nerve. If the nerve becomes squashed, it may start to lose function. This can happen as the incision or cut to the abdomen is held open by retractors. Especially when the operation is of a longer than expected duration, pressure on the femoral nerve can start to affect function.
An abdominal hysterectomy is a surgical procedure where a part or whole of the womb is removed through a cut to the abdomen or tummy. Such a procedure exposes the nearby anatomical structures to the possibility of damage. It is possible for the femoral nerve to be injured directly by surgical instruments during the course of the hysterectomy.
Femoral nerve damage
Whilst loss of the function of the femoral nerve is usually short-term, the nerve can suffer permanent damage. This will result in serious loss of sensation and function in the affected leg.
The femoral nerve carries messages of sensation from the thighs to the central nervous system, located in the spinal cord. It also initiates movement of some muscles in the leg. If the nerve is unable to function correctly, sensation and movement may be lost.
The patient may lose feeling in the leg which can lead to accidental damage. They may experience reduced strength and movement, affecting the ability to walk. The patient may also suffer loss of knee movement.
Medical negligence
If the femoral nerve is damaged due to substandard care, such as an inappropriate or extended compression of the nerve, or accidental injury, the relevant medical practitioner may be regarded as having been negligent. If the patient suffers significant, long-term disability as a result, a compensation claim may be a helpful way to resolve on-going financial difficulties.
Contact Glynns today to discuss the possibility of a claim for compensation.
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