Claiming Compensation for Delayed Diagnosis of CES Nerve Compression
Compression of the cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine can cause permanent, life-changing disability. A delay in diagnosis by medical professionals may justify a claim for compensation.
Compressed cauda equina nerves
The cauda equina nerves are crucial to effective function and experience of sensation in the lower body. If an individual develops complete cauda equina syndrome, they are likely to suffer a shocking array of debilitating, permanent symptoms including the following:
- Incontinence of both wind and faeces
- Bladder dysfunction
- Sexual dysfunction
- Loss of lower body mobility
In order to avoid this combination of devastating symptoms and a lifetime of disability, it is essential that any signs or symptoms of this terrible condition are recognised and diagnosed as promptly as possible.
Cauda equina syndrome is often a progressive condition and an early diagnosis can prompt emergency surgery which should prevent further deterioration and loss of lower body function.
Negligent medical care of cauda equina nerve compression
However, occasionally, a failure by a medical professional to understand the significance of the red flag symptoms and the potential impact of cauda equina syndrome may allow a delay in management to occur.
Examples of medical negligence in management of cauda equina compression would include the following:
- A failure to recognise the early possible symptoms
- A failure to examine a patient for red flag symptoms
- A delay in making a referral for an MRI scan
- A failure to warn a patient of the red flag symptoms or provide adequate safety-netting
- A delay in initiating decompression surgery
The effect of delayed surgery
Time is of the essence in the management of cauda equina syndrome and if a patient suffers a deterioration in their condition and long-term outcome due to a delay in diagnosis, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
A successful claim would take account of the losses experienced by the patient, such as a reduced income due to debilitating symptoms, in so far as those losses have been caused by the negligent care.
Claiming compensation
If you or a loved one are struggling with the appalling impact of cauda equina syndrome due to negligent medical care, a specialist solicitor would be best placed to advise you about the possibility of making a claim for compensation.
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a team of expert lawyers, all of whom are experienced in this highly-complex field. Contact us today to speak with a specialist, free of charge.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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