Accident and Emergency CES Negligence and How to Claim Compensation
If a patient attends their local Accident and Emergency with possible red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome, competent and timely, often emergency, attention is essential.
Red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome
- Lower back and leg pain
- Altered sensation in the legs, especially if this is bilateral
- Altered sensation in the saddle area between the legs
- Altered urinary experience such as having to strain to empty the bladder
- Altered awareness of needing to urinate
- Altered sensation around the anus
Early recognition of these symptoms and a willingness to consider that compression of the cauda equina nerves may be responsible is crucial. A delay at this point may allow time for the patient's nerve compression to worsen prior to surgery, thereby increasing the likelihood that their permanent symptoms will also worsen.
If this occurs, the relevant medical professionals, who should have taken more timely action, may be regarded as negligent.
Cauda equina syndrome negligence
If a patient attends Accident and Emergency with red flag symptoms, negligent medical care can arise in a variety of ways, causing a reduction in the patient's long-term outcome:
- A failure to recognise the possible symptoms of cauda equina compression
- A failure to examine the patient for signs and symptoms of cauda equina compression
- A failure to seek a second opinion when there was any uncertainty as to the diagnosis
- A failure to provide red flag warnings to a patient who is in danger of developing cauda equina syndrome
- A delay in arranging an MRI scan within what would normally be considered a reasonable timeframe
- A failure or delay in transferring a patient to 24-hour MRI scan facilities when appropriate
- A delay in initiating surgery to decompress the nerves
Claiming compensation for cauda equina syndrome
Delays in responding to cauda equina syndrome can leave a patient with life-changing, debilitating symptoms including double incontinence, loss of mobility and loss of sexual function.
The psychological, not to mention the practical and financial impact can be utterly devastating, affecting an individual's capacity to work and to cope independently within their own home.
If medical professionals have contributed to this delay through negligent care, the patient may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.
Speak to a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a team of experienced lawyers and extensive expertise in high value cauda equina claims.
Contact us for a free consultation with a specialist solicitor regarding making a claim for compensation.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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