Cauda Equina Referral Negligence and How to Claim Compensation
An appropriately-timed referral for an MRI scan is essential to the best outcome from compression of the cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine. If negligent medical care causes a delay at this crucial time, it may be possible to claim compensation for the impact of that negligence.
The impact of an MRI scan delay
Timing is key to the best outcome from cauda equina compression. A patient may attend their GP or Accident and Emergency facility with lower back and leg pain with, for example, some urinary issues. A timely referral for further investigation may prevent any further problems from developing.
A delay in making a referral for an MRI scan, however, can leave the patient with complete cauda equina syndrome and suffering with incontinence of both wind and faeces as well as sexual dysfunction and loss of mobility.
Inevitably, the on-going impact of such severe symptoms will be life-changing, affecting an individual's ability to work as well as to navigate their home safely and compromise their ability to travel, socialise, bring up their children and carry out everyday household and personal chores.
A medical emergency
It is important to remember that cauda equina compression can be a medical emergency and a failure by a medical professional to recognise the symptoms or to understand the urgency of the situation may prove catastrophic. It may also justify a claim for compensation.
If an individual is at the early stages of cauda equina syndrome, their MRI scan may be required within hours rather than days and, if it transpires that they are suffering from compression of the spine, their surgery is also likely to be a matter of emergency.
If medical professionals are responsible for preventing this process from occurring within the necessary timeframe, a successful compensation claim can address the financial aspects of the consequences of the negligence.
Claiming compensation
Contact a legal specialist if you are thinking that you or a loved one may have been the victim of negligent medical care. Compensation claims for medical negligence are an extremely complex area of the law, requiring both specialist legal and medical input.
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a team of experienced lawyers and a history of successful high-value claims. Contact us today to speak with a solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making acclaim.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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