Compensation for Failure to Recognise Risk of Cauda Equina Syndrome
Failing to recognise the possible symptoms of cauda equina syndrome may be regarded as negligent medical care and may justify a claim for compensation.
Recognising the symptoms of CES
At the heart of successful medical care of cauda equina syndrome is the recognition that a patient is at risk of developing this shocking and life-changing condition.
A failure to consider that a patient might have the early symptoms of cauda equina syndrome will probably lead to a misdiagnosis and a failure to warn the patient of the red flag symptoms.
If the patient is, indeed, developing cauda equina syndrome, this failure to recognise possible symptoms could allow a deterioration in their symptoms before surgery is undertaken.
If a delay in surgery causes a patient to suffer a worse outcome than would have been the case with more timely medical care, they would be entitled to make a claim for the impact of that delay.
A successful compensation claim will take account not only of the patient's pain and suffering but of any financial losses caused by the negligence. For example, if the patient has been left unable to work due to the nature of their on-going symptoms, this financial loss will be addressed within the claim.
Possible symptoms of cauda equina syndrome
Symptoms which might indicate that a patient is experiencing compression of their cauda equina nerves and associated lower body dysfunction could include the following:
- Bilateral sciatica-like pain (i.e. in both legs)
- Altered perineal and perianal sensation (i.e. in the saddle area and around the anus)
- Altered bladder sensation
- Altered urinary experience such as having to strain
- Altered bowel sensation and function
Such symptoms might justify a referral for an urgent MRI scan to confirm the underlying cause of the patient's symptoms such as a herniated disc squashing the cauda equina nerves.
A failure to make such a referral will delay a diagnosis of what can be a disabling condition.
Speak to a legal specialist
Compensation claims for cauda equina syndrome are highly-complex and require the skills and expertise of a specialist solicitor.
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a team of lawyers with extensive experience of cauda equina claims.
Contact us today to talk to a specialist lawyer about the possibility of making a claim for compensation.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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