Cauda Equina Delays and The Right to Compensation
Delays in assessment, diagnosis and surgery for cauda equina syndrome can leave the patient with lifelong disability. It may also justify a claim for compensation.
Delays in cauda equina care
The medical management of cauda equina syndrome is frequently a matter of emergency. As a progressive condition, a patient who is only experiencing the early symptoms when presenting to their medical professional may, if diagnosis and treatment are delayed, be left with permanent double incontinence and loss of mobility. As the compression of the cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine worsens, so too does the patient's loss of lower body function. Urgent diagnosis and emergency surgery are often vital in order to decompress the nerves before disability becomes permanent.
Negligent medical care can occur at a number of points in the care pathway including the following:
- A failure to recognise the possible early symptoms of lower back and leg pain, altered perineal sensation, altered urinary and bladder function
- A failure to carry out a thorough assessment of the patient in order to identify any additional signs or symptoms of cauda equina nerve compression
- A misdiagnosis of the symptoms of cauda equina syndrome
- A failure to make a referral or a delayed referral for an MRI scan to confirm the underlying cause of the patient's symptoms
- A delay in carrying out an MRI scan or a failure to transfer a patient for an MRI where local facilities are not available
- A delay in initiating surgery to decompress the nerves
- A failure to provide red flag warnings when this would normally have been considered appropriate
The right to compensation
If medical delays or negligent care cause a patient to suffer a worse outcome than would have been the case with a more timely and competent level of care, they are entitled to claim compensation for the impact of that negligence. Where cauda equina syndrome is concerned, the consequences can be life-changing if the patient is left disabled and unable to work. They may also require personal care and altered accommodation. A successful compensation claim would incorporate the financial losses which might occur as a result of these difficulties.
Speak to a specialist
However, compensation claims for cauda equina syndrome are extremely complex and require the skills of a specialist solicitor.
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice. If you or a loved one are struggling with the consequences of cauda equina syndrome and you believe that medical negligence has played a part, contact us to speak with a solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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