Hospital Cauda Equina Delay and When to Claim Compensation
Effective and competent healthcare is often a matter of extreme urgency where cauda equina compression is concerned. Failings in hospital care of this potentially debilitating condition may justify a claim for compensation.
Delays in hospital care of cauda equina syndrome
Within the context of hospital care, delays in the management of cauda equina compression can occur at a number of points. Unfortunately, a delay may well cause the patient to suffer permanent symptoms which would not have occurred with more timely care but which may prove to be utterly life-changing.
Processes within the hospital system which might cause a delay in the care of cauda equina syndrome could include the following:
- A failure by Accident and Emergency practitioners to recognise the possible symptoms of cauda equina compression, or to seek specialist advice, thereby delaying the patient's diagnosis and surgery
- A failure to carry out an MRI scan within a suitable timeframe or a failure to transfer a patient to appropriate facilities when an emergency MRI scan is necessary
- A delay in the reporting of MRI scan results or a misinterpretation of results
- A delay in initiating surgery for cauda equina compression within an appropriate timeframe, which may be a matter of hours rather than days.
When to claim compensation
A delay in diagnosing and treating cauda equina compression may allow the patient's nerve function to deteriorate, causing permanent loss of lower body facility.
It may be possible to make a claim for compensation when it is found that a breach of duty or substandard care has occurred in the course of the patient's care at hospital and that the delay or medical failure caused the patient to suffer consequences which would not otherwise have been the case.
If the permanent symptoms caused by the negligent delays cause the patient to experience financial losses, these could be addressed in a successful claim for compensation. For example, a loss of income due to the severity of the patient's symptoms would be taken into account.
Speak to a legal specialist
If you think you may have a claim, speak with a legal specialist who will be able to guide you through the complexity of medical negligence compensation.
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with extensive expertise in cauda equina claims. Contact us today to speak with a solicitor about the possibility of making a claim for compensation.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
Make An Enquiry
Why Choose Us
- Specialist medical negligence solicitors
- Free initial enquiries
- No win, no fee available
Reviews
Our Expertise
Helping Clients Across England & Wales
