Is Compensation Possible for Cauda Equina Syndrome Negligence?
Negligent care of (Cauda Equina Syndrome) CES may justify a claim for compensation which can aid the victim in combatting the impact of this terrible condition.
The short answer
In short, if medical negligence has caused you or a loved one to suffer a worse outcome from cauda equina syndrome than would have been the case with more timely and acceptable care, it may well be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
The best next step is to seek advice from a legal specialist.
The long answer
In order to claim compensation for medical negligence, the following needs to be demonstrated by your solicitor:
- That a breach of duty or act of negligence did indeed occur;
- That the negligence caused you to suffer a worse outcome and impact than would otherwise have been the case
Cauda equina syndrome is a complex condition which can worsen over time and requires prompt diagnosis and surgery. The following are examples of where negligent medical care may cause a delay in treatment, allowing the patient to suffer an increase in nerve compression and a poor long-term outcome:
- Failing to recognise the possible early symptoms of cauda equina compression such as altered perineal sensation, altered urinary experience and lower back and leg pain, especially where both legs are affected
- Failing to assess a patient for signs and symptoms of cauda equina syndrome
- Failing to make a timely referral for an MRI scan to confirm the underlying cause of the patient's symptoms
- Failing to provide red flag advice when this would normally be appropriate
- Failing to initiate decompression surgery within an appropriate timeframe of hours rather than days
The potential impact of delays in cauda equina care
If delays in diagnosis or treatment leave a patient with complete cauda equina syndrome, they will suffer incontinence of both wind and faeces as well as losing their mobility.
Such extreme symptoms will impact almost every aspect of the patient's life, restricting what they are able to do independently in terms of personal care, travel, work, household chores, hobbies and personal relationships. The long-term effects of this appalling condition can be devastating.
Speak to a legal specialist
If you or a loved one are suffering from CES due to negligent medical care, it may be possible to claim compensation for the impact on your life such as a loss of income or the costs of care.
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with extensive experience of high-value cauda equina syndrome claims.
Contact us today to speak with a specialist solicitor, 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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