Claiming Compensation for Negligent Medical Care of Cauda Equina Compression.
Negligent medical care of cauda equina compression may justify a claim for compensation.
Competent, appropriate and timely medical care of cauda equina compression is absolutely vital if the patient is to avoid a lifetime of disability. Compression of the cauda equina nerves in the lumbar region of the spine will decrease the nerve function. Over time, this loss of function will increase, affecting the patient's experience of movement and sensation in the lower body.
Competence is essential in recognising the possible symptoms of cauda equina compression such as lower back and leg pain, altered sensation in the saddle area, altered urinary experience or sensation and possible altered bowel function. If a medical professional fails to recognise or suspect the symptoms, the patient will be misdiagnosed and will not receive the necessary referral for an MRI scan.
Appropriate care is also crucial. An MRI scan is an essential part of the diagnosis process, identifying the underlying cause of the patient's symptoms. Decompression surgery is also vital to prevent further function loss.
Time is also of the essence with this potentially disabling condition. Cauda equina compression is often a medical emergency. Any delay, even of a few hours, can allow the nerve compression to increase, thereby depriving the patient of further lower body function.
Ultimately, the patient may suffer double incontinence and loss of mobility.
Claiming compensation for negligent care
If medical professionals have failed in their duty of care, causing or contributing to a poor outcome, the patient may be entitled to claim compensation.
Negligence in relation to cauda equina compression may occur as part of the diagnosis process, as a failure of examination, a failure of diagnosis, through a delayed MRI scan or in the form of a delay in initiating surgery.
A successful claim for compensation would address the financial losses caused by the consequences of the negligent care such as a loss of income if the patient now struggles to work, or the costs of personal or household support where this has become necessary.
Speak to a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors, specialists in medical negligence law, have a wealth of expertise and experience in successful high-value cauda equina syndrome claims. Contact us today for free expert advice 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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