Lower Body Disability and Compensation for Cauda Equina Syndrome Negligence
The physical symptoms associated with complete cauda equina syndrome are utterly disabling and may justify a claim for compensation if medical professionals have failed in their management and care of the patient.
Complete cauda equina syndrome
Cauda equina syndrome is the product of compression of the cauda equina nerves in the lumbar region of the back. As the compression increases, the patient suffers increasing loss of function in the lower body. Ultimately, they will experience loss of mobility or paralysis, double incontinence of both bladder and bowel, and loss of sexual function.
For a once fit and healthy individual, the impact can be shocking and life-changing.
- The symptoms can restrict the type of employment which an individual can undertake if they are able to work at all. It can also restrict the hours which they are able to manage. The financial losses can be considerable.
- A person with cauda equina syndrome may struggle to navigate their way around their own home if their mobility has been compromised. They may need significant alterations to be carried out to their home or they may require different accommodation entirely
- The limitations imposed by loss of mobility may restrict a person's capacity to carry out many ordinary daily tasks related to personal hygiene, household maintenance, shopping and supporting their family and they may become reliant to some degree on personal care
- The psychological impact can also be significant, requiring support and further limiting a person's quality of life.
Negligent medical management
Cauda equina syndrome can be a medical emergency. Recognition of the possible symptoms and a timely referral for an MRI scan to identify the underlying cause of the patient's symptoms are crucial to a prompt diagnosis and the initiation of surgery to decompress the nerve.
Negligent care, such as the following, may allow time for the patient's condition to deteriorate prior to surgery, thus producing a worse patient outcome and justifying a claim for compensation.
- A failure to carry out a thorough assessment of the patient
- A failure to recognise the possible symptoms of cauda equina syndrome
- A failure to make an appropriately timed referral
- A delay in arranging an MRI scan
- A delay in initiating surgery
Speak to a legal specialist
If you suspect that either you or a loved one have been the victim of negligent medical care, contact Glynns Solicitors to talk to one of our team, free of charge, 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.
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