Claiming Compensation for Incontinence due to Cauda Equina Syndrome
If you have complete cauda equina syndrome, it is possible that you are suffering with double incontinence. By this, we mean that you are unable to control either your bladder or your bowel, suffering leakage of urine, faeces and wind.
It is also likely that you are suffering a range of other symptoms such as the following:
- Sexual dysfunction
- Leg weakness and loss of mobility
- Foot drop
If these on-going symptoms are due to a delay in diagnosing and treating cauda equina syndrome, it may be possible to make a successful claim for compensation. This should help you cope with the financial difficulties which you may be encountering due to your physical problems.
When a compensation claim might be appropriate
If medical professionals had an opportunity to diagnose your cauda equina syndrome at an early stage but failed to do so, they might be considered as responsible for the subsequent poor outcome.
It is generally thought that, if cauda equina syndrome is diagnosed and treated before the patient loses all bladder sensation, the outcome is likely to be considerably better than if surgery is delayed until after loss of bladder sensation.
Therefore, if the patient visits their GP or Accident and Emergency unit with symptoms of cauda equina syndrome but still retaining some bladder function, it is crucial that they receive a diagnosis as quickly as possible. This will require an emergency MRI scan to confirm the underlying cause of their symptoms.
If investigation and diagnosis are delayed by the actions of medical professionals, the patient's symptoms may deteriorate and their chance of recovery may be lost.
In these circumstances, it might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
When a compensation might not be appropriate
If the patient chooses to delay seeing their medical professional until their symptoms are advanced, any subsequent loss of function might be regarded as the patient's responsibility.
If the medical professional is slow in taking action but the patient makes a fairly good recovery nonetheless, it might not be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
If the patient's severe symptoms develop suddenly, or acutely, then there would not have been an opportunity for medical professionals to act sooner.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are suffering with the shocking, long-term effects of cauda equina syndrome due to failings by the medical profession, contact Glynns to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
We have supported numerous clients in making compensation claims for this appalling condition and will be happy to advise you.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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