Referral Delays in Cauda Equina Syndrome: Can I Claim Compensation?
A referral delay in the process of diagnosing cauda equina syndrome can mean the difference between a good outcome and a bad one. If it has led to severe consequences for you or a loved one, contact Glynns Solicitors to discuss the possibility of making a claim for compensation.
MRI referrals and cauda equina syndrome
A timely referral for an MRI scan is crucial to a good outcome in cauda equina syndrome. The results of an MRI scan will enable medical professionals to identify whether or not the patient's symptoms are being caused by compression of the cauda equina nerves.
Without this confirmation, the patient will not undergo the surgery, sometimes an emergency, necessary to decompress the nerve and prevent further loss of lower body function.
If a medical professional, whether at the GP surgery or in Accident and Emergency fails to recognise that a patient may be developing this appalling condition and fails to make an appropriate referral for an MRI scan, they may be regarded as having been negligent and it may be possible to make a claim for the impact of that negligence.
Furthermore, if hospital professionals fail to carry out an MRI scan in a timely manner, or fail to transfer a patient to a facility where it can be carried out within a suitable timeframe, they may also be regarded as having provided substandard care.
If the patient suffers a deterioration of their condition during the period of delay and suffers a worse long-term health outcome as a result, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation. The symptoms of complete cauda equina syndrome include double incontinence, loss of mobility and loss of sexual function so the consequences of negligence in relation to this condition can be both severe and wide-ranging.
Claiming compensation
The bottom line is that, if a delay in referring you or a loved one for an MRI scan has caused a worse long-term health outcome, it may well be possible to make a claim for compensation. This would take account of the financial losses caused by the negligence such as loss of income due to the on-going symptoms.
Speak to a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with extensive expertise in high-value cauda equina claims.
If you think you may have a claim, contact us to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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