Compensating Reduced Quality of Life with CES Negligence
Without prompt diagnosis and surgery, the long-term impact of cauda equina syndrome and be utterly life-changing. Where this is due to poor medical care, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Cauda equina syndrome and quality of life
Complete cauda equina syndrome can affect an individual's health and well-being in a variety of deeply unpleasant ways.
Due to the loss of nerve function at the base of the spine, the patient may suffer loss of bladder function, loss of bowel function, sexual dysfunction and loss of mobility. The collective impact of this myriad of disabilities can, not surprisingly, be varied and dramatic.
- It may reduce the individual's capacity to work fulltime, causing a loss of income
- It may restrict the type of employment the individual is able to undertake, also causing a loss of income
- It may render the individual unable to work at all, causing a devastating financial impact
- It may mean that the individual is unable to function effectively in their existing home and may need to move to single-storey or suitably adapted accommodation
- It may restrict the individual's ability to travel in a variety of ways, restricting their quality of life still further
- It can lead to loss of confidence, depression and social isolation.
- The individual may become reliant on additional personal support for daily tasks, household chores and personal care.
Cauda equina syndrome: a medical emergency
Cauda equina syndrome is a progressive condition meaning that, if the patient's symptoms are recognised and diagnosed at an early stage, it may be that they can undergo surgery soon enough to avoid such an appalling and permanent outcome as outline above.
Equally, it means that, if diagnosis is not achieved promptly, the patient's condition can deteriorate to the point where surgery is less likely to bring about a transformation in their lower body symptoms.
Early diagnosis is the key to a good outcome.
Medical negligence
If medical professionals suspect that their clinical assessment of the patient may indicate cauda equina syndrome, it is essential that they make a referral for an emergency MRI scan.
A failure to recognise the possible symptoms or to take the appropriate action may be regarded as negligent.
Where the patient suffers a poor long-term quality of life as a result of medical delays, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Contact Glynns Solicitors, experts in cauda equina syndrome negligence claims, to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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