NHS Delays and Compensation for Cauda Equina Syndrome Negligence
If delayed diagnosis of cauda equina compression has left you or a loved one with shocking disability, contact Glynns Solicitors to discuss the possibility of making a compensation claim.
The right to compensation for medical negligence
Whether at your local GP surgery or at your local hospital, the NHS has a duty of care to you and is expected to provide an acceptable level of service. If substandard or negligent medical care causes a patient to suffer a worse outcome than would have been the case with an acceptable level of care, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation for the consequences, if any, of the negligence.
Medical negligence and cauda equina syndrome
Unfortunately, the consequences of medical negligence in relation to cauda equina syndrome can be severe, indeed.
If medical professionals cause or allow a delay in the diagnosis and treatment of this appalling condition, the patient may find themselves with permanent, severe and life-changing disability. Due to compression of the cauda equina nerves, this appalling condition can cause double incontinence, loss of sexual function and loss of mobility. In isolation, each of these symptoms can be both debilitating and distressing; in combination they are absolutely catastrophic, often denying the individual of their independence, their ability to work and many aspects of their former lifestyle.
If the individual suffers significant financial losses, such as a loss of income or the costs of personal care, due to negligent medical care, a successful compensation claim would take account of these losses, in so far as they have been caused by the negligence.
Negligent medical care
Examples of negligent medical care which may result in a delay in diagnosis and surgery for cauda equina syndrome could include the following:
- A failure to recognise or suspect the early symptoms of cauda equina compression such as lower back and leg pain, altered sensation in the saddle area and altered urinary experience
- A failure to examine a patient for possible signs of cauda equina compression
- A misdiagnosis
- A failure to make a referral for an MRI scan within an appropriate timeframe
- A delay in carrying out an MRI scan
Making a claim for compensation
Compensation claims for cauda equina syndrome are highly complex and require the skills of a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
They will be able to obtain your medical records and arrange for the best medical experts to assess the quality of your care and its impact on you.
Contact Glynns Solicitors, specialists in medical negligence law, if you think that you or a loved one may have a claim.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
Make An Enquiry
Why Choose Us
- Specialist medical negligence solicitors
- Free initial enquiries
- No win, no fee available
Reviews
Our Expertise
Helping Clients Across England & Wales
