Compensation for Safety-netting Failures in Cauda Equina Syndrome
A patient attending Accident and Emergency or their GP with lower back and leg pain is not necessarily developing cauda equina syndrome. Their symptoms may have a less sinister cause. However, new symptoms indicative of CES may start to emerge and it is vital that patients have been fully advised as to what they are and what to do.
Cauda equina syndrome as a medical emergency
For an individual who is experiencing symptoms of cauda equina syndrome, their condition may require an emergency medical response.
Timing is absolutely of the essence with this debilitating condition and, if possible, it is essential that the patient who is developing cauda equina syndrome undergoes decompression of their cauda equina nerves before their loss of lower body function becomes permanent.
Consequently, it is crucial that patients who may be susceptible to this appalling condition are fully aware of the red flag symptoms that should prompt them to attend hospital immediately.
Cauda equina syndrome red flag symptoms
Symptoms which, in addition to lower back pain, may indicate that the patient is suffering compression of their cauda equina nerves could include the following:
- Bilateral leg symptoms
- Altered sensation in the perineum and around the genitals such as tingling or loss of sensation
- Altered urinary experience such as a poor flow or having to strain to commence urination
- Loss of sensation around the anus and buttocks
Without surgery, the patient's symptoms may deteriorate further and they may face a lifetime of double incontinence, loss of mobility and loss of sexual function.
Safety-netting negligence
Safety-netting is the actions taken by medical professionals to ensure that those patients whose condition may worsen do not slip through the net of care. It may be a recommendation to make a further medical appointment or advising the patient of the red flag symptoms which should prompt attendance at Accident and Emergency.
A failure by medical professionals to advise a patient of the red flag symptoms which might be relevant to them or to ensure there is some follow-up to their consultation may be regarded as negligent.
If the patient subsequently suffers a poor long-term outcome due to the lack of safety-netting and the failure in their care, it might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Speak to a solicitor
Compensation claims for cauda equina syndrome negligence are often lengthy and complex and require the support of a specialist lawyer.
Glynns Solicitors are experts in medical negligence compensation claims. Call us today if you or a loved one are suffering with the impact of cauda equina syndrome due to poor-quality medical care. One of our team of experienced solicitors will be very happy to talk with you.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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