CES Medical Negligence in Accident and Emergency
If a patient attends their Accident and Emergency facility with possible symptoms of cauda equina syndrome, they may require emergency surgery. If the medical response fails to identify their condition, leaving the patient to suffer deterioration and debilitating long-term symptoms, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Responding to CES in Accident and Emergency
When a patient attends Accident and Emergency with severe lower back pain and altered sensation in the legs, it is essential that the assessment identifies the appropriate degree of urgency associated with their condition.
It is also vital that a full examination for other red flag symptoms of this disabling condition is carried out to ensure that a misdiagnosis does not occur.
If there is any uncertainty as to the significance of the symptoms or the degree of urgency necessary, specialist advice should be sought and a failure to do so may be regarded as a failure of care.
The patient may require an MRI scan as a matter of emergency if the red flag symptoms of cauda equina compression are present. These could include altered sensation in the saddle area, altered bladder function or sensation and altered anal sensation.
A failure to recognise the symptoms, a failure to carry out a thorough assessment or a failure to arrange for an MRI scan within the necessary timeframe may all be regarded as negligent.
Providing an emergency MRI scan
If a patient is exhibiting the red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome, they will need to undergo an MRI scan as a matter of emergency. If the hospital where they have attended Accident and Emergency does not have suitable facilities available at that time, it is essential that arrangements are made to transfer the patient promptly to another facility where facilities are available. A failure to do this, allowing the patient's nerve compression to worsen may be regarded as negligent.
Claiming compensation
If surgery for cauda equina compression is delayed due to a misdiagnosis or failure of care in Accident and Emergency, the patient may suffer a worse outcome than with an appropriate level of care. A delay may allow severe symptoms to develop, such as double incontinence and loss of mobility, which the patient may suffer for the rest of their life.
In these circumstances, it might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation which would include any financial losses caused by the negligence.
Speak to a legal specialist
Cauda equina syndrome compensation claims are extremely complex. If you or a loved one are struggling with the impact of this shocking condition due to substandard medical care, contact Glynns Solicitors, specialists in cauda equina claims.
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
