Compensating Treatment Delays and Cauda Equina Syndrome Negligence
A delay in treating cauda equina syndrome may be regarded as negligent and may justify a claim for compensation.
Treating cauda equina syndrome
Treatment for cauda equina syndrome requires surgery to decompress the nerves at the base of the spine. If these crucial nerves become compressed by, say, a herniated disc or a tumour, it is essential that the patient undergoes decompression surgery before the nerves are permanently damaged and the person has lost significant lower body function.
If a patient's condition deteriorates to complete cauda equina syndrome, or CESR, they will suffer double incontinence as well as loss of sexual function and mobility. If this deterioration occurs due to a delay by medical practitioners in arranging and carrying out decompression surgery, it may be possible to claim compensation.
If a patient is suffering with incomplete cauda equina syndrome where they still retain some bladder sensation and function, decompression surgery is an emergency and should take place as promptly as possible, within hours rather than days.
Claiming compensation
Compensation will take into account the individual's financial losses. Where cauda equina syndrome is concerned, these losses can be considerable. If the patient is no longer able to work or is restricted in what they can do and what they can now earn, a claim for compensation would take this into account.
If the individual now requires personal care or support, the costs of this will also be taken into account.
An individual who has been left with complete cauda equina syndrome due to medical delays is likely to be experiencing some degree of mobility loss as well as bowel and bladder difficulties. They may be experiencing double incontinence. They may also have lost sexual sensation and function.
The permanent impact of such severe symptoms can be utterly life-changing, affecting almost every aspect of a person's daily routine.
Legal advice
If you believe you or a loved one are the victim of medical negligence with regards to cauda equina syndrome, it is essential you speak to a specialist lawyer with experience of and expertise in this complicated condition.
It is also important to remember that claims for compensation for medical negligence need to be initiated within three years of the date of the alleged negligence.
Contact Glynns Solicitors, a dedicated medical negligence legal practice, to discuss your situation with a specialist.
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
