How Do I Get Compensation for Late CES Surgery?
If your decompression surgery for cauda equina syndrome was delayed, leaving you with permanent symptoms, it might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Surgery and cauda equina syndrome
If you have incomplete cauda equina syndrome (CESI), it is imperative that you undergo decompression of the spine as soon as possible. If surgery is delayed, your condition may deteriorate and you may be left with appalling bowel and bladder problems.
If the delay and ensuing symptoms are due to the decisions of your medical professionals, you may wish to think about making a claim.
Surgery for incomplete CES is generally regarded as necessary within a few hours to ensure that decompression of the spine is achieved before the patient's symptoms and condition deteriorate further.
If deterioration occurs following diagnosis because medical professionals have delayed organising surgery, then they may be regarded as having been negligent in their care and responsible for the additional symptoms which the patient suffers due to the delay.
Incomplete and complete CES
A patient may be described as suffering from incomplete cauda equina syndrome when they are suffering with some of the red flag symptoms but still retain some bladder sensation and control. For example, the patient may have lower back and leg pain as well as some loss or alteration of sensation in the saddle area. They may be struggling with urination in terms of initiation and flow but still be able to sense when they need to urinate.
Such a patient may require emergency surgery to decompress their cauda equina nerves.
A patient who has additionally lost their bladder sensation and control will probably be described as suffering from complete CES. They may not sense when they need to urinate and retain urine painlessly. They may lose control of their bladder and suffer from incontinence.
Surgery at this point may be less successful in restoring the patient's lower body function.
When at all possible, it is vital that a patient undergoes surgery whilst they are still at the incomplete stage and before they reach the complete stage.
If medical professionals are responsible for the delay during which a patient deteriorates from incomplete to complete, they may be seen as responsible for the associated deterioration in the patient's long-term outcome.
Investigating your claim
If you are suffering from cauda equina syndrome because your surgery was delayed, contact Glynns Solicitors to discuss your case.
If we decide to take on your case, our medical experts will assess your quality of care and identify who should take responsibility for your severe symptoms.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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