Is Symptom Misdiagnosis in Cauda Equina Syndrome Negligent?
Symptom misdiagnosis in cauda equina syndrome can be life-changing and may justify a claim for compensation.
Misdiagnosis and cauda equina syndrome
For a medical professional to misdiagnose the symptoms of a patient who is developing cauda equina syndrome may well be regarded as negligent.
As to whether or not this situation would justify a claim for compensation would depend on what impact the act of negligence had on the patient's outcome.
For an individual to make a claim for compensation for medical negligence requires not only that an error or act of negligence has occurred, but that it is also found to have had a significant impact on the patient's outcome.
In the case of cauda equina compression, this is entirely possible. A misdiagnosis of symptoms, such as bilateral leg pain, altered urinary experience and altered sensation in the saddle area, might mean that a delay then occurs before the patient is given an accurate diagnosis, leading to possibly emergency surgery.
The need for urgency is due to the fact that the passing of time can allow the compression of the nerves to increase and cause increasing lower body symptoms. Eventually, these symptoms, such as loss of mobility and incontinence, may become permanent.
Making a compensation claim
Therefore, if a misdiagnosis causes the patient to experience a delay before surgery, suffering worse long-term symptoms than would have been the case had an accurate diagnosis been provided, a compensation claim may be appropriate.
That claim would address the financial impact of the symptoms which the medical delay has caused the patient to suffer.
The severity of the symptoms of cauda equina syndrome can have a dramatic financial impact. The patient may struggle to work, thereby losing their income. They may require specialist equipment or additional personal care, causing financial outlay. They may even require adaptations to be carried out to their home to allow for their mobility difficulties and toilet requirements.
The associated financial losses and costs would be included in a successful compensation claim.
Speak to a legal specialist
If you or a loved one are struggling with the impact of cauda equina syndrome, speak to a legal specialist as soon as possible, so that they can investigate the quality of your medical care before the claims deadline expires.
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with considerable expertise in complex cauda equina claims.
Contact us today to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim.
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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