Negligent Accident and Emergency CES Care and Claiming Compensation
An individual who is experiencing the possible symptoms of cauda equina syndrome may require emergency surgery within hours. If medical practitioners in Accident and Emergency fail to provide appropriate care, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
The emergency of cauda equina syndrome
If you visit the GP with possible symptoms of cauda equina syndrome, they may refer you to hospital immediately. If you have been given red flag warnings of this appalling condition, you will recognise the need for urgent attention should the relevant symptoms develop.
Once an individual reaches Accident and Emergency, they require a thorough assessment and may need an emergency MRI scan in order to ensure that their symptoms are not being caused by compression of the cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine.
If they are developing cauda equina syndrome, but they do not receive a diagnosis and surgery promptly, they may suffer permanent disability including the following:
- Loss of ability to control the passing of wind and faeces
- Loss of bladder function
- Loss of mobility
- Loss of sexual function
Symptoms of cauda equina syndrome
Symptoms which might suggest that a patient requires emergency surgery to decompress their cauda equina nerves would include the following:
- Bilateral pain or altered sensation in the legs
- Altered sensation in the saddle area
- Altered bladder or urinary function such as having to strain
Without surgery, these symptoms may worsen and the patient may develop complete cauda equina syndrome and permanent symptoms.
Negligence in Accident and Emergency
Failures of care in Accident and Emergency which may leave a patient with permanent disability and which may justify a claim for compensation would include the following:
- A failure to carry out a thorough assessment for symptoms and signs of cauda equina syndrome such as assessing anal tone, perineal sensation and bladder function
- A failure to recognise the possible symptoms of cauda equina syndrome
- A failure to make an urgent referral for an MRI scan
- A failure to organise surgery within an appropriate timeframe
If any of the above failings cause a patient to suffer long-term difficulties which would not have been the case with an acceptable quality if care, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
A successful claim will address issues of financial loss where the patient is no longer able to work or faces additional costs of care.
Speak to a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with extensive expertise in high-value cauda equina syndrome claims.
If you think you may have a claim, contact us to speak with a specialist, free of charge, about your situation.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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