Nerve Compression Negligence and Compensation for Cauda Equina Syndrome
Cauda equina nerve compression medical negligence can leave a patient disabled for life and may justify a claim for compensation.
Crucial cauda equina nerves
The problem with compression of the cauda equina nerves is that it can worsen over time, causing the patient to suffer increasing loss of lower body function.
Symptoms which might indicate that the patient is suffering with compression of the nerves at the base of the spine should prompt further investigation. The cauda equina nerves are crucial to some fundamental aspects of a person's life and well-being, influencing their ability to function independently and effectively.
Crucial to the communication of sensation and movement to and from the lower body, the cauda equina nerves play a significant role in effective bowel and bladder function as well as sexual function and mobility. A loss of cauda equina nerve function causes critical losses in all these areas. A once-healthy, active and independent individual can be left devastated with double incontinence, paralysis and loss of sexual function.
Negligent medical care
The earliest possible diagnosis of cauda equina nerve compression is essential in order to minimise the function losses suffered by the patient.
Symptoms of lower back and leg pain, altered sensation in the saddle area and altered bladder or urinary function should trigger further investigations in the form of an MRI scan.
Failures by medical professionals to recognise or suspect symptoms of nerve compression or a delay in a referral or initiating surgery may all allow time for the compression to worsen and for the patient's loss of function to increase.
Claiming compensation
If a patient's poor long-term outcome is due, in part or in full, to negligent medical care, they are entitled to claim compensation for the consequences of the negligence. This may well include significant financial losses if the individual is no longer able to work or requires considerable personal care. It may also include the cost of altered or more suitable accommodation where this is necessary and deemed to be the product of negligent care.
Speak to a legal specialist
Compensation claims related to cauda equina syndrome are extremely complicated often requiring the input of numerous medical experts as well as the skills of a specialist medical negligence solicitor. Ensure that you get the best support possible if you have been the victim of negligent medical care.
Contact GLynns Solicitors, specialists in medical negligence law, to speak with a solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim.
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