NHS Negligence and Compensation for Cauda Equina Syndrome
Competent and timely medical care is essential to prevent an individual from suffering the appalling consequences of complete cauda equina syndrome. If medical failings leave a patient with permanent disability, they may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.
Cauda equina syndrome and negligent medical care
Cauda equina syndrome is a generally progressive condition where compression of the nerves at the base of the spine causes lower body disability. In particular, an individual can suffer the following debilitating and life-changing symptoms:
- Incontinence of wind and faeces
- Bladder dysfunction
- Sexual dysfunction
- Loss of mobility
The severity of these symptoms demands that, where possible, diagnosis and treatment are achieved at the earliest possible moment in the earliest stages of nerve compression. Emergency surgery may be necessary to prevent further loss of function.
Negligent medical care, leaving the patient to suffer permanent disability, can occur in a number of ways:
- A failure to recognise the possible early symptoms of cauda equina nerve compression such as altered perineal sensation, bilateral sciatica-like symptoms and altered bladder sensation or function.
- A failure to examine a patient for indications of cauda equina compression
- A failure to make a timely referral for an MRI scan
- A failure to warn a patient of the red flag symptoms of cauda equina compression, meaning that the patient fails to seek immediate medical help if their symptoms worsen
- A failure to initiate surgery within an acceptable timeframe
The right to compensation
If a patient suffers an adverse outcome from negligent medical care, which would not have been the case with an acceptable level of care, they are legally entitled to make a claim for compensation.
A successful compensation claim will take account of the pain and suffering of the patient as well as the financial impact which the negligence has caused. This could include any loss of income for example where the patient is no longer able to pursue their career or where they are restricted in the hours which they are able to work.
Making a claim
If you believe that you or a loved one have been the victim of negligent NHS care in relation to cauda equina syndrome, the best next step is to speak with a specialist solicitor.
They will have the expertise and experience to investigate the quality of your medical care thoroughly and advise you as to whether or not it is appropriate to make a claim.
Speak to a specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a team of experienced lawyers and extensive expertise in cauda equina syndrome claims. Contact us today to speak with a solicitor, free of charge, about the possiblity of making a claim for compensation.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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