Negligent Cauda Equina Disability and How to Claim Compensation
Cauda equina syndrome, the result of compression of the cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine, can cause severe and permanent disability. With early recognition, diagnosis and surgery, this appalling outcome can be avoided. If medical professionals have the opportunity to achieve an early diagnosis but substandard care leaves the patient with an unnecessarily poor outcome, the patient should be legally entitled to claim compensation for the consequences.
The impact of cauda equina syndrome
The loss of nerve function providing sensory and movement roles to the lower body can leave the patient with significant disability:
- loss of mobility, foot drop and leg weakness
- loss of sexual function and sensation
- loss of anal sensation and control
- loss of bladder sensation and control
This catastrophic combination of symptoms can completely overturn an individual's way of life, compromising their ability to work, their comfort within their own home, their personal independence, their quality and way of life and their personal relationships.
The practical, psychological and financial implications can be huge.
Negligent medical care
If this appalling outcome is in some way due to the negligent medical care which the patient received, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
If the negligence of medical professionals leaves a patient with significant disability which would not have been the case with an acceptable standard of care, a successful compensation claim would take account of the difficulties and financial losses which the patient now faces.
Negligent medical care which delays the diagnosis and treatment of cauda equina compression could include the following:
- a failure to carry out a thorough assessment of the patient
- a failure to recognise the possible symptoms of cauda equina compression
- a failure to make, or a delay in making, a timely referral for an MRI scan to assess the possible underlying cause of the patient's symptoms
- a delay in initiating surgery to decompress the nerves
Speak to a legal specialist
If you are thinking of making a claim for compensation for negligent medical care of cauda equina compression it is essential that you engage the services of a specialist medical negligence solicitor. They will have the experience and expertise to assess the quality of your medical care, assess the extent of its impact on you and your quality of life, and quantify your claim both accurately and fully.
High-value cauda equina syndrome claims are an area of specialist expertise here at Glynns Solicitors. If you or a loved one are struggling with the appalling disability associated with cauda equina syndrome, contact us to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim.
We can offer No Win No Fee funding for medical negligence claims which we will discuss with you during your free initial telephone discussion.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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