Financial Impact of Cauda Equina Syndrome Medical Negligence
Complete cauda equina syndrome can be utterly disabling. In the life of a once healthy individual, the financial impact can be devastating. Where medical negligence has occurred, a successful compensation claim can address the patient's financial losses.
Cauda equina syndrome disability
Cauda equina syndrome develops when the cauda equina nerves in the lumbar region of the spine become compressed or squashed. Depending on the extent of the compression, the lower body function associated with the cauda equina nerves may be lost or impaired. This can affect an individual's level of mobility as well as their control of bowel and bladder function. Sexual function and sensation can also be affected.
Loss of mobility, combined with loss of, or reduced, control of the passing of wind, faeces and urine, is a dramatically disabling combination of symptoms.
The implications for the quality of life, nature of employment and level of independence of the individual affected by this terrible condition can be wide-ranging, costly and psychologically distressing.
Financial impact of cauda equina syndrome
In terms of navigating everyday existence, the patient may find that they require some degree of personal care. They may need to purchase specialist equipment to help them to mobilise. They may need to undergo specialist treatment. They may need adaptations or alterations to be carried out to their home.
In terms of employment, they may find that their previous form of employment is now utterly denied them due to the nature and severity of their symptoms. They may need to retrain or they may need to work for fewer hours. Finding suitable work may revolve around easy access to toilet facilities.
The psychological impact of such sudden and extreme changes to one's life can cause significant and debilitating distress.
Medical negligence and when to make a claim
Cauda equina compression needs to be diagnosed at the earliest possible moment. As a fairly rare condition, diagnosis is sometimes delayed, leaving the patient to suffer symptoms and disabilities which would not have been the case with earlier diagnosis and treatment.
If medical professionals are found to have caused a delay in diagnosis, leading to greater disability, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
Medical negligence related to cauda equina syndrome may occur through a failure to examine, a failure to recognise symptoms, a misdiagnosis and a delay in making a referral for an MRI scan.
Speak to a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a medical negligence legal practice with a specific focus on cauda equina syndrome claims.
We can offer No Win No Fee funding for medical negligence claims which we will discuss with you during your free initial telephone discussion.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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