Negligent Safety-netting and Compensation for Complete Cauda Equina Syndrome
A failure of effective safety-netting may see a patient deteriorate from early symptoms to the catastrophe of complete cauda equina syndrome. Talk to a specialist solicitor about the possibility of compensation.
Cauda equina nerve deterioration
Cauda equina syndrome is a life-changing condition, causing a myriad of debilitating symptoms including incontinence of both bladder and bowel, sexual dysfunction and loss of mobility. Where possible, it is essential that early diagnosis is achieved before increasing nerve compression deprives the patient of the chance of improvement.
If a patient is at risk of this disabling condition, it is vital that appropriate safety-netting is in place to ensure that medical attention is sought at the earliest moment.
If a patient with lower back pain is considered to be at risk of developing cauda equina syndrome, red flag warnings should be given by their medical professional to ensure that the patient attends hospital should their symptoms worsen.
Red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome include the following:
- Bilateral pain and altered sensation in the legs
- Altered bladder sensation and function such as loss of feeling or altered urinary experience
- Altered sensation in the perineum such as loss of feeling
- Altered bowel experience
Without adequate warning of the red flag symptoms, an individual may fail to realise that their condition is a medical emergency. By the time they seek medical help, it may be too late to prevent complete cauda equina syndrome and their function losses may become permanent.
Claiming compensation
If such a distressing situation is regarded as the result of inadequate medical safety-netting, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation for the effects of this appalling condition.
This may include compensating a loss of income where the patient is no longer able to work or is restricted in the nature or duration of employment which they can undertake.
If may also include costs of care or the costs of altering their home so that they can navigate around safely.
Speak to a legal specialist
The complexity of cauda equina syndrome and its impact on a patient's health and well-being means that specialist legal advice is crucial to making a comprehensive and successful claim.
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a wealth of experience and expertise in successful cauda equina compensation claims. Contact us today to speak to 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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