Healthcare Negligence and Compensation for Cauda Equina Disability

Healthcare Negligence and Compensation for Cauda Equina Disability If your healthcare professionals have failed to provide appropriate and adequate medical care of cauda equina compression, it may be possible to claim compensation for the impact of this shocking condition. Cauda equina syndrome symptoms Timely and knowledgeable medical care is essential in order to identify the patient's spinal compression and trigger surgical intervention. A failure of diagnosis will mean a failure to address the patient's nerve compression, leaving them vulnerable to development of permanent and life-changing symptoms. The distressing and debilitating symptoms which are associated with cauda equina syndrome include the following: • Loss of awareness of the need to defecate and loss of the ability to control the passing of faeces • Loss of control of the passing of wind • Loss of bladder sensation and control, leading to incontinence • Loss of sexual sensation and function • Loss of mobility and foot drop Although the degree of dysfunction and disability can vary from patient to patient, this appalling condition can impact many aspects of the patient's life from their ability to navigate their way around their own home to their ability to work and earn a living. Everyday personal and household chores can feel insurmountable and the patient may require support or care in order to be able to manage their daily lives. The psychological impact of such severe disability, especially when it is unexpected, can devastate a person's life, too, affecting their self-confidence and their personal relationships. Healthcare negligence The pathway from suspected cauda equina syndrome through to decompression surgery often needs to occur as a matter of emergency. A patient who is exhibiting symptoms such as lower back and bilateral leg pain, altered perineal symptoms or urinary difficulties may need an immediate referral for an MRI scan. Whether the relevant healthcare professional is a GP or an Accident and Emergency practitioner, they have a duty to the patient to provide an appropriate and acceptable level of care. Failing to carry out an examination or an assessment, failing to make a timely referral or failing to provide the patient with red flag warnings when necessary may all be regarded as negligent and may justify a claim for compensation. Speak to a legal expert Cauda equina syndrome claims require the services of a legal specialist. These complex claims require thorough considerable experience and the attention of the best medical experts. Glynns Solicitors deals with the victims of cauda equina syndrome on a daily basis and can offer the best support through a difficult time. Contact us today to speak with a solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim.

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