Accident and Emergency Cauda Equina Negligence and Compensation
An appropriate response to cauda equina compression symptoms in Accident and Emergency is essential if the patient is to achieve the best outcome.
Accident and Emergency and cauda equina compression
Cauda equina compression is a medical emergency. An individual may attend Accident and Emergency with symptoms of this life-changing condition because they are concerned about their symptoms or because their GP has warned them of the red flag symptoms and the need for urgent medical care. Whatever the situation, it is crucial that, if the patient is developing cauda equina syndrome, their symptoms are recognised and that they undergo an MRI scan and surgery as soon as possible and certainly within an appropriate timeframe.
If Accident and Emergency practitioners fail the patient in their response to symptoms of cauda equina compression, thereby causing the patient to suffer a poor long-term outcome, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
Cauda equina compression symptoms
If an individual is suffering compression of the cauda equina nerves, it is essential that a medical professional recognises the possible symptoms such as the following:
- Bilateral sciatica symptoms or weakness in the legs
- Difficulty emptying the bladder or initiating urine flow or altered sensation
- Saddle area sensation losses
- Altered rectal sensation or anal control
If Accident and Emergency professionals fail to recognise or suspect the possible symptoms, or fail to carry out appropriate tests, consequently failing to make an appropriate referral for an MRI scan and delaying the patient's access to surgery, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
Claiming compensation
The long-term consequences of cauda equina compression medical mismanagement in Accident and Emergency can be utterly devastating. The patient may suffer incontinence of both bladder and bowel as well as experiencing loss of mobility. They may additionally suffer sexual dysfunction.
The broader impact on their quality of life and the breadth of activities which they may now struggle to achieve can be difficult to comprehend. Almost every daily task may become an obstacle to be tackled and they may find that they require support of varying degrees in order to carry out routine activities which they previously found easy.
They may suffer a significant loss of income as a result and may also face additional costs of treatment and equipment and household adaptations in order to be able to manage their daily lives.
Speak to a legal specialist
Glynns Solictors are specialists in medical negligence law with a specific focus on high-value cauda equina syndrome claims. Contact us today to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, if you think that you may have been the victim of negligent care in the Accident and Emergency department.
We can offer No Win No Fee funding for medical negligence claims which we will discuss with you during your free initial telephone discussion.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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