Misdiagnosis of Red Flag Symptoms and Compensation for Cauda Equina Syndrome
If your symptoms of cauda equina syndrome have been misdiagnosed by a medical professional, it may be possible to claim compensation for any consequences of the negligent care, such as a loss of income.
Medical responses to red flag symptoms
If a patient visits their medical professional or Accident and Emergency facility with the possible red flag symptoms of cauda equina compression, it is essential that they receive an appropriate and timely response.
Timing is of the essence in the treatment of this appalling and disabling condition and if a medical professional causes a delay in diagnosis or surgery resulting in a poor outcome for the patient, it may be possible to claim compensation.
A patient who attends their medical facility with lower back pain may not be developing cauda equina syndrome. However, a thorough assessment is necessary and any sign of red flags requires a prompt response.
Red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome include the following:
- Bilateral symptoms of altered sensation such as pain, pins and needles or weakness in both legs rather than just one
- Altered sensation in the saddle area
- Altered urinary experience such as having to strain to empty the bladder
- Altered bladder function such as loss of awareness of needing to urinate
- Altered awareness of rectal fullness
Urgent diagnosis of cauda equina compression is essential to ensure that the patient receives treatment before their condition worsens and they suffer permanent lower body function losses.
Misdiagnosis
A misdiagnosis of the possible symptoms of cauda equina syndrome is likely to delay investigation and the confirmation of an accurate diagnosis. This will inevitably delay the commencement of surgery and may leave the patient vulnerable to permanent disability in the form of double incontinence and loss of both mobility and sexual function.
A misdiagnosis is also likely to lead to a failure to provide the patient with the necessary red flag warnings and may result in delayed treatment.
Claiming compensation
Compensation can, in so far as is possible, restore the patient to the quality of life they would have enjoyed but for the negligence. For example, if the patient is now unable to work and suffering a significant loss of income, a successful claim should incorporate those losses.
However, compensation claims for cauda equina negligence are extremely complex and require the expertise of a legal specialist.
Speak to a legal expert
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a team of experienced lawyers and a wealth of expertise in cauda equina claims.
Contact us today to speak with a 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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