Medical Referral Delays and Complete CES Compensation
If medical professionals delay in referring a patient for an MRI scan for possible cauda equina syndrome, the outcome can prove catastrophic and may justify a claim for compensation.
Deteriorating cauda equina syndrome
Cauda equina syndrome is caused by compression of the cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine. If this compression is diagnosed at an early stage, the patient may recover lower body function. If referral for an MRI scan is delayed, however, the patient's compression may increase to the point where surgery may be less effective and their symptoms may become permanent.
Complete cauda equina syndrome can cause an array of distressing and disabling symptoms including the following:
- Bladder incontinence
- Bowel incontinence
- Loss of sexual sensation and function
- Loss of lower limb mobility and foot drop
The consequences of cauda equina syndrome
The impact of such an appalling combination of debilitating symptoms can compromise an individual's capacity to earn an income as well as their ability to function independently. Their home environment may come to represent a series of obstacles which can be difficult to navigate with restricted mobility or lower body paralysis.
Their mental health can also suffer significantly as they struggle with the extent to which their quality of life has become restricted . Where such an appalling outcome is due to substandard or negligent medical care, it can be particularly difficult to come to terms with a new life scenario.
For these reasons, cauda equina syndrome is frequently a matter of emergency. Referral for an MRI scan may be necessary immediately, followed by emergency surgery to decompress the cauda equina nerves.
Medical negligence
If a medical practitioner has failed to consider the possibility of cauda equina syndrome as a diagnosis, leading to a referral delay and an outcome of permanent disability for the patient, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
A successful compensation claim would address those financial costs and losses which have been caused by the negligence and which the patient would not have experienced had they received more timely treatment. This can include loss of income or the costs of care.
Speak to a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with extensive expertise in cauda equina syndrome claims.
Contact us to talk to an experienced lawyer if you or a loved one have been the victim of medical delays in diagnosing and treating cauda equina syndrome.
Speak to a specialist solicitor
Glynns Solicitors is a specialist medical negligence legal practice with extensive expertise in maternal birth trauma claims. Contact us to day to talk to one of our experienced lawyers about your situation.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
Make An Enquiry
Why Choose Us
- Specialist medical negligence solicitors
- Free initial enquiries
- No win, no fee available
Reviews
Our Expertise
Helping Clients Across England & Wales
