Delayed Treatment of Cauda Equina Compression and When to Make a Claim
A delay in surgical treatment to decompress the cauda equina nerves can make a dramatic difference to the patient’s long-term experience.
CES surgery delays
A delay in surgery may arise for a number of reasons which might occur in either the GP surgery or in hospital.
- A medical professional may fail to recognise this life-changing condition and fail to refer the patient for specialist investigation
- An MRI scan which is crucial to a diagnosis may be delayed because a hospital may not provide 24 hour or weekend services
- The results from an MRI scan may be delayed or misinterpreted
- The initiation of surgery may be delayed because the severity of the patient’s condition is not recognised or a suitable surgeon is not available
Whatever the reason, a delay in decompression of the nerve can be utterly life-changing.
If an individual is developing cauda equina syndrome, they may need emergency surgery.
The possible impact of delayed surgery
If this crucial surgery is delayed, the nerve compression may worsen and the patient may suffer a greater degree of lower body function loss on a permanent basis.
This can involve appalling and disabling symptoms including the following:
- Loss of mobility
- Loss of bowel sensation and control
- Loss of bladder sensation and control
- Loss of sexual sensation and function
The financial losses, such as a loss of income, caused by the patient’s symptoms can form the basis of a claim insofar as the symptoms have been caused by the negligent delay.
When to make a claim
It may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation for the impact of this condition if it is found both that there has been a negligent delay in surgery and that the delay caused the patient to suffer a worse outcome than they would have experienced without the delay.
In order to identify whether or not this is the case, it is necessary for a specialist solicitor to carry out an analysis of the patient’s records and an assessment of the impact of any negligence.
Speak to a specialist solicitor
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a specific focus on complex cauda equina syndrome claims.
Contact us today to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, about making a claim if you believe that either you or a loved one have been the victim of a delay in treatment for this debilitating condition.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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