Lower Body Paralysis and Claiming Compensation for Cauda Equina Syndrome
A delay in diagnosing and treating cauda equina syndrome can leave a patient with permanent lower body paralysis. It may also justify a claim for compensation.
Negligent loss of function
Cauda equina syndrome is generally a progressive condition where the increasing compression of the cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine causes increasing loss of lower body function.
It is essential, therefore, that this debilitating condition is diagnosed promptly and, where necessary, that surgery is carried out as a matter of emergency.
A failure of diagnosis or a delay in treatment can allow time for the patient's nerve compression to worsen and for their function losses to worsen as a result.
If medical professionals are regarded as responsible for such a delay, and the associated poor outcome, the patient would be legally entitled to make a claim for compensation.
A successful claim would not only address the patient's pain and suffering but would also take account of any financial losses caused by the negligent care. For example, if a patient is no longer able to work, or is restricted in the hours they can manage due to their appalling function losses, they are likely to suffer a significant loss of income.
Diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome
If a patient attends a medical professional with the possible early symptoms of cauda equina syndrome, it is essential that a thorough assessment is carried out to ascertain if any of the red flag symptoms are present.
This would include symptoms such as altered sensation in the saddle or anal area, or altered urinary function such as having to strain to empty the bladder.
A medical professional might be considered to have provided negligent care under the following circumstances:
- A failure to suspect that the patient might be developing cauda equina syndrome
- A failure to assess a patient for red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome
- A failure to make an emergency referral for an MRI scan when necessary
- A delay in arranging surgery
Claiming compensation
Cauda equina syndrome compensation claims are extremely complex and require the skills of a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a team of expert lawyers, all of whom have considerable experience of cauda equina claims.
Contact us today if you or a loved one are struggling with the impact of cauda equina syndrome due to negligent medical care.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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