Examination Failures and Claiming Compensation for Cauda Equina Negligence
If a patient visits their GP or Accident and Emergency facility with the possible early symptoms of cauda equina compression, a failure to carry out an examination may represent the difference between an accurate diagnosis and permanent disability.
The need for assessment
If a patient is experiencing lower back and leg pain, they may be developing cauda equina syndrome due to compression of their cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine. An assessment is necessary in order to identify any further indicators of this challenging condition. For example:
- A pinprick test should identify if the patient is experiencing altered sensation in the saddle area
- Assessment of the anal tone may identify signs of nerve dysfunction
- A straight leg raise may indicate nerve compression
A failure to carry out the necessary examination may leave the medical professional with the belief that their patient is suffering from sciatica. The patient may return home without a referral for an MRI scan and without the necessary red flag warnings which should prompt an immediate visit to hospital if key symptoms develop.
If diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome is delayed as a result, the patient's condition may deteriorate prior to surgery, leaving them with permanent disability including double incontinence and loss of mobility.
Claiming compensation
If a patient suffers a poor long-term outcome due to negligent medical care, they are legally entitled to claim compensation for the consequences of the negligence. Where the patient has also suffered significant financial losses such as a loss of income or the costs of care, a successful compensation claim would incorporate these losses.
Given the severity of the physical disability caused by cauda equina compression, the associated financial losses can be significant. The patient may even need alterations to be carried out to their home or need to move to more suitable accommodation due to the difficulties caused by their symptoms.
Speak to a legal specialist
Compensation claims for CES medical negligence are extremely complex, potentially involving numerous medical experts to analyse the quality of the patient's care and the impact of the negligence, if there has been any, on their health and quality of life.
A specialist solicitor will have the skills and experience to oversee a case of this complexity and access to the best experts to assess and support the claim.
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with extensive expertise in high-value cauda equina syndrome claims. Contact us to speak to a specialist, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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