Compensation for Late Surgery and Complete Cauda Equina Syndrome
If decompression surgery for cauda equina syndrome is delayed, the patient may suffer permanent disability. Is this negligent?
What is complete cauda equina syndrome?
Cauda equina syndrome is a progressive condition. If diagnosed early, the patient may make a good recovery. If diagnosis and surgery are delayed, however, their condition may deteriorate to what is referred to as CES-R or complete cauda equina syndrome. This means that the patient has lost bladder sensation and function. They may also be experiencing the following symptoms:
- Loss of bowel function
- Loss of sexual function
- Loss of lower limb mobility and foot drop
Why does the timing of surgery matter?
The timing of surgery for cauda equina syndrome is crucial to the patient's long-term outcome. If decompression of the cauda equina nerves is carried out before the patient loses bladder function, their prognosis is likely to be much better than if surgery is delayed until bladder function is lost.
The difference between these two moments can be a matter of a few hours and delayed surgery, resulting in the patient suffering from complete cauda equina syndrome, can be regarded as negligent.
When is late surgery negligent?
Delayed surgery for cauda equina syndrome may be regarded as negligent when medical professionals had had the opportunity to diagnose the patient and arrange for surgery at an earlier time prior to the patient's deterioration.
It may be that the diagnosis is delayed or it may be that surgery itself is delayed but, where the outcome is a poor long-term prognosis for the patient, the relevant medical professionals may be regarded as having provided a substandard level of care.
Claiming compensation
If a patient suffers a poor long-term outcome due to negligent medical care, they are entitled to make a claim for compensation
If, for example, the patient has suffered a loss of income because their on-going symptoms make work difficult or restricts the type or amount of work they can do, a claim for compensation will take into account the financial losses.
However, compensation claims for cauda equina syndrome are extremely complex, requiring the support of a specialist lawyer and experienced medical experts.
Speak to a specialist
If you or a loved one are facing the long-term impact of cauda equina syndrome due to a delay in surgery, contact Glynns Solicitors. We are a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with considerable expertise in cauda equina syndrome claims. One of our specialist lawyers will be very happy to talk to you.
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
