Out-Of-Hours Negligence and Cauda Equina Syndrome Compensation
If a poor-quality response by the out-of-hours medical service has left you or a loved one with the horrific symptoms of complete cauda equina syndrome, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Cauda equina syndrome and emergency treatment
Cauda equina syndrome can become significantly worse over a very short period of time. Without emergency treatment the patient may be left with permanent and severe disability. It is essential, therefore, that all medical practitioners who might encounter a patient with this condition are aware of the red flag symptoms.
If a patient contacts their out-of-hours service with lower back pain and leg symptoms, it is essential that a thorough assessment of their condition is made. Any additional symptoms which might indicate a diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome should be identified. It may be necessary to advise the patient to go directly to hospital.
Where emergency medical treatment does not seem necessary, it might also be appropriate to ensure that the patient is aware of the red flag symptoms which should prompt them to go to Accident and Emergency immediately.
Missing the red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome
A failure to do either of these things may result in a deterioration of the patient's nerve compression and a loss of significant lower body function. If surgery is delayed, it may not be possible to restore nerve function. In these circumstances, the patient may suffer from cauda equina syndrome for the rest of their life, experiencing the debilitating symptoms of double incontinence and loss of mobility.
Red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome:
- Bilateral sciatica symptoms
- Altered sensation in the saddle area and around the buttocks
- Altered urinary sensation and function
- Altered sexual sensation
- Altered bowel sensation and function
Medical negligence and compensation
A delay in the diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome may mean that significant lower body function is permanently damaged before surgery can take place.
If such a delay is due to poor-quality medical care, the patient would be entitled to make a claim for compensation.
A successful compensation claim will address those financial costs and losses which have been caused by the negligence. For example, if the patient is no longer able to work or faces a significant reduction in income due to the effects of their condition, those losses would be taken into account when assessing the value of the claim.
Speak to a legal specialist
If you or a loved one are struggling with the impact of cauda equina syndrome, contact Glynns Solicitors.
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a team of experienced solicitors. We assess hundreds of inquiries relating to cauda equina medical negligence every year and are ideally suited to advise you as to the best way forward.
Speak to a specialist solicitor
Glynns Solicitors is a specialist medical negligence legal practice with extensive expertise in maternal birth trauma claims. Contact us to day to talk to one of our experienced lawyers about your situation.
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