Red Flag Safety-Netting and Claiming Compensation for Cauda Equina Syndrome
Red flag advice is essential in the management of cauda equina syndrome and a failure to provide it may be negligent.
Red flags and advice to the patient
For a patient who may be in the early stages of cauda equina syndrome, clear red flag advice may make the difference between prompt and effective treatment and a lifetime of disability.
Cauda equina syndrome, caused by compression of the cauda equina nerves in the lumbar region of the back is often a progressive condition. A patient with lower back pain may be at risk of developing this appalling condition and, although their symptoms may not initially warrant a referral for an MRI scan, they need to be warned of the red flag symptoms which should prompt them to attend hospital immediately.
This could include the following:
- The development of bilateral pain and altered sensation
- Altered or loss of sensation in the saddle region (between the legs, around the perineum, anus and buttocks)
- Altered awareness of needing to urinate
- Altered urinary experience such as having to strain to empty the bladder
Medical negligence in red flag advice
If a medical professional fails to advise a patient of the symptoms which should prompt them to go to hospital, they may be regarded as having been negligent in their care of the patient.
If the patient suffers a worse long-term outcome because their lack of information and advice caused them to delay seeking medical help, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Claiming compensation
Unfortunately, a delay in the diagnosis and management of cauda equina compression can leave a patient struggling with permanent and disabling symptoms including incontinence and loss of mobility.
The impact on the patient's quality of life can be devastating.
They may struggle to work, they may be severely limited in the everyday tasks which they can manage independently, their home may require alterations to manage their mobility issues and they may need some degree of personal or household support.
All of these issues and the financial losses and costs associated with them could be included in a compensation claim if it is found that negligent medical care has contributed to this outcome.
Speak to a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with extensive expertise in cauda equina syndrome compensation claims.
Contact us today to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim.
We can offer No Win No Fee funding for medical negligence claims which we will discuss with you during your free initial telephone discussion.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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