Can I Claim Compensation for Delayed Cauda Equina Surgery?
The timing of surgery for a patient with cauda equina syndrome is absolutely crucial. If medical professionals are responsible for a delay which causes a poor long-term outcome, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
The long-term effect of cauda equina syndrome
A patient whose cauda equina compression is diagnosed late or whose surgery is delayed may be left with permanent and debilitating symptoms including the following:
- Bladder incontinence
- Bowel incontinence
- Sexual dysfunction
- Loss of mobility and foot drop
As can be imagined, the impact of these symptoms on an individual's quality of life can be catastrophic, depriving them of the ability to work in many fields of employment and possibly rendering them reliant on care to achieve daily tasks.
The timing of decompression surgery
If a patient is developing cauda equina syndrome, it is likely that their condition will continue to get worse until they undergo surgery or until their lower body function is lost. If the progression of this appalling condition can be halted before the patient loses all bladder sensation and function, surgery may be more effective in achieving some degree of recovery or, at least, in preventing further deterioration.
It is clear, therefore, that if surgery is delayed, the outcome may well be worse for the patient. Where this delay is due to the negligence of medical professionals, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Medical negligence
The optimum timing for cauda equina compression is before the patient loses bladder sensation. At this point, surgery may be regarded as a medical emergency. If clinical tests indicate that the patient still retains the awareness of needing to urinate, and their MRI scan shows that the cause of their symptoms is cauda equina nerve compression, the patient may need to undergo surgery within a matter of hours.
If delays mean that the surgery does not take place until some time later and the patient has, in the meantime, lost further sensation, the chance of recovery may have been lost.
Legal advice
Compensation claims for cauda equina syndrome are extremely complex. If you or a loved one are struggling with the impact of this shocking condition due to a delay in surgery, contact Glynns to talk to a specialist solicitor.
We have extensive expertise in cauda equina claims and one of our team will be very happy to talk to you.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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