Cauda Equina Disability: Claiming Compensation
Cauda equina syndrome can cause a lifetime of severe disability. If you or a loved one are suffering from this appalling condition due to medical delays, it might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Cauda equina disability
Cauda equina syndrome is a debilitating condition of the lower body. In some circumstances, such as due to a herniated disc or tumour of the spine, the cauda equina nerves can become squashed or compressed. This will cause them to lose their function. Such an outcome can be both psychologically shocking as well as permanently disabling.
An individual who is suffering with complete cauda equina syndrome is likely to be experiencing several disabling conditions:
- Their bladder function may be reduced, impaired or completely lost. They may suffer urinary incontinence and require a catheter to provide urinary function.
- Their bowel sensation and control may be impaired or lost. They may suffer urgency. They may suffer incontinence of both wind and faeces, resulting in embarrassment and further disability, affecting their confidence and their ability to work.
- They may suffer from loss of sexual sensation and function, impacting on their personal relationships
- They may suffer weakness or even paralysis of the legs. They may become dependent on crutches or a wheelchair.
The long-term impact of such a degree of disability is likely to be wide-ranging, affecting an individual's independence, their work, their family and their emotional well-being.
Medical management of cauda equina syndrome
Cauda equina syndrome can be a medical emergency and if the symptoms are not recognised as such by medical practitioners, they may be regarded as having provided substandard care.
A delay in diagnosis and surgery can mean the difference between recovery and permanent disability. Consequently, a failure to consider that a patient with lower back and leg pain may, in fact, be developing cauda equina syndrome may be considered as negligent.
If a patient presents to their medical practitioner with the possible early symptoms of cauda equina syndrome but does not receive the necessary examination or referral, the patient's condition may deteriorate permanently before surgery is undertaken.
Speak to a solicitor
If your permanent cauda equina dysfunction is due to delays in diagnosis or surgery, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Contact Glynns Solicitors, specialists in cauda equina syndrome compensation claims to talk to an experienced medical negligence solicitor.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
Make An Enquiry
Why Choose Us
- Specialist medical negligence solicitors
- Free initial enquiries
- No win, no fee available
Reviews
Our Expertise
Helping Clients Across England & Wales
