Delayed Spinal Scan and CES Compensation
If a delayed MRI scan has caused a CES patient to suffer long-term disability, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Diagnosing cauda equina syndrome
A clinical assessment of the patient's symptoms is only a part of the picture in a diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome. It is also necessary for the patient to undergo an MRI scan to confirm compression of the cauda equina nerves as the underlying cause of those symptoms.
The timing of the MRI scan can be crucial to the patient's long-term health and well-being. Surgery for cauda equina compression can be needed as a matter of emergency and the need for a diagnosis can mean that the MR scan is a medical emergency also.
Consequently, a delay by a medical professional in referring a patient for an MRI scan or in arranging an MRI scan once a need has been identified may be regarded as negligent.
Compensation claims
If a patient suffers a worse outcome due to a delayed scan than they would have experienced had their treatment been more timely, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
A successful compensation claim can provide recompense for the problems caused by the negligence which the patient, but for the negligence, would not have suffered.
In relation to cauda equina syndrome, these problems can be severe and life-changing. A delay in confirming a diagnosis and initiating decompression surgery can allow the patient to deteriorate. Their long-term outcome can be bladder, bowel and mobility problems.
This can cause difficulties with earning a living, remaining independent, providing self-care and remaining in one's home. Depending on the severity of the patient's symptoms, continuing to work can be either restricted or impossible.
The extent of a patient's symptoms may suggest that they are in need of an MRI scan as a matter of emergency. If the patient may be suffering from incomplete cauda equina syndrome, when they still retain some lower body function, they may require a scan as quickly as possible.
If the scan is delayed and the patient suffers further function losses prior to surgery, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation for the on-going effects of those additional symptoms.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are facing the appalling impact of cauda equina syndrome due to a delay in arranging your MRI scan, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Contact Glynns Solicitors, specialists in medical negligence compensation, to talk to a solicitor with expertise in cauda equina claims.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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