Cauda Equina Syndrome Assessment Negligence and Claiming Compensation
Comprehensive and competent assessment of a patient who is developing cauda equina syndrome can prevent a catastrophic outcome. A failure by medical professionals may justify a claim for compensation.
Diagnosing cauda equina syndrome
If a patient attends their medical professional with possible symptoms of cauda equina syndrome, it is essential that a thorough assessment is carried out. This would ensure that any additional symptoms and signs of this debilitating condition are identified and help the patient to achieve the earliest diagnosis.
Assessing the patients saddle sensation and urinary experience may give indications that the patients symptoms are due to compression of the cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine.
A failure to do so may lead to a delay in making a referral for an MRI scan, a delay in diagnosis and surgery, and a worse long-term outcome.
Cauda equina syndrome as a medical emergency
Cauda equina syndrome is often regarded as a medical emergency. An early diagnosis is essential as it can prevent the patient from suffering further deterioration. If the nerve compression is diagnosed early and the patient undergoes prompt decompression surgery, it may prevent them from developing complete cauda equina syndrome and all its attendant disabilities. This would include double incontinence, sexual dysfunction and loss of mobility.
Consequently, medical professionals, whether at the GP surgery or in the hospital Accident and Emergency facility, who fail to carry out the necessary assessment, resulting in a delay in diagnosis, may be regarded as having provided only negligent care.
If the patient suffers a worse outcome as a result, they may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.
Compensation claims for cauda equina syndrome
This disabling condition can cause its victim to suffer a dramatic reduction in quality of life, rendering them incontinent and struggling to mobilise. The impact is felt in almost every aspect of life, from their ability to work and their ability to function safely in their own home, to their ability to engage with many of the activities which would have been a normal part of their life up to this point.
A victim of cauda equina syndrome may become reliant on both a wheelchair and personal care.
Where medical negligence has played its part, a successful compensation claim would take account of the financial losses associated with this loss of function, such as a loss of income or the costs of care.
Speak to a specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a specialist medical negligence legal practice with extensive experience of high-value cauda equina syndrome claims.
Contact us today to speak with a solicitor 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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