Cauda Equina Syndrome and Compensation
If a medical professional such as a GP, Accident and Emergency practitioner, Consultant or Out-of-Hours practitioner fails in their response to your cauda equina syndrome symptoms, causing you to suffer a poor long-term outcome, you may be able to make a claim for compensation.
The right to compensation
If poor medical care leaves a patient with a worse outcome than would have been the case with competent care, they are entitled to claim compensation. As well as addressing the issues of pain and suffering, a successful compensation claim includes the financial losses caused by the negligence. For example, if the consequences of the negligent care mean that the individual affected can now only work part-time, their lost income would be incorporated into a claim.
However, if there has not been a breach of duty or negligent medical care, it will not be possible to make a claim.
Negligent medical care and cauda equina syndrome
Competent medical care is crucial in the management of cauda equina compression. Substandard care, causing a delay in either diagnosis or surgery can have catastrophic consequences.
If cauda equina compression, which underlies the symptoms of cauda equina syndrome, is diagnosed at an early stage, surgery can prevent further deterioration. On the other hand, however, if symptoms are missed or misdiagnosed, the subsequent delay before surgery can take place may allow the compression to increase and the loss of function to worsen. The patient may face a lifetime of lower body disability which would not have been the case with prompt medical intervention.
Cauda equina compression symptoms
Symptoms which might suggest that an individual is developing compression of the cauda equina nerves could include the following:
- Pain and altered sensation such as tingling in the legs
- Loss of sensation or altered sensation in the saddle area
- Having to strain to empty the bladder or a poor urinary flow
- Altered sexual sensation or altered bowel function
Speak to a legal specialist
Cauda equina syndrome is a multi-faceted and complex condition and compensation claims for associated medical negligence are likewise complicated. If you or a loved one believe that you may have been the victim of negligent care of this debilitating condition, you should seek the advice of a solicitor who specialises in medical negligence claims. They will have the expertise to investigate the quality of your medical care thoroughly and, if appropriate, to negotiate the best settlement.
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a team of experienced lawyers, all of whom specialise in this niche field of law.
Contact us to discuss your situation, free of charge, with a specialist.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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