Cauda Equina Negligence Solicitors: Referral Delays
Recognising the urgency of a diagnosis for cauda equina
compression and making a referral for a scan and specialist
investigation is absolutely crucial to the best management of
compression of the cauda equina nerves.
Referral delays
If a referral is delayed, the patient may find that their symptoms deteriorate severely before a diagnosis is achieved, leaving them with permanent and irreversible lower body disability.
The reasons why an urgent referral may be delayed are many and varied including the following:
- A medical professional may fail to identify the full extent of the patient’s symptoms, thereby missing something that is significant such as urinary difficulties or the fact that the patient’s leg pain is bilateral
- A medical professional may fail to understand that the patient’s symptoms may be indicative of compression of the cauda equina nerves and, therefore, fail to make the appropriate referral
- A medical professional may recognise and identify the patient’s symptoms but not be aware that the patient requires an urgent referral for an MRI scan, thereby delaying an accurate diagnosis and surgery
When to make a claim
It may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation if a negligent delay in making a referral to check for cauda equina compression, and thereby delaying surgery, allows the patient’s condition to deteriorate prior to surgery.
If the patient suffers symptoms, disabilities and consequences which would not have been the case had the negligence not occurred, it may be possible to claim compensation for those consequences. This could include a loss of earnings as well as the costs of treatment, care and equipment.
It is important to take action promptly. Before a claim can be issued with a court (which must be within 3 years of the alleged negligence), an investigation into the quality of the patient’s medical care has to be carried out. This may require the input of several medical experts who will analyse the records and assess the impact of any negligence on the patient.
Do not delay. Speak to a medical negligence solicitor as soon as possible so that they can start this process by obtaining your medical records.
Speak to a specialist solicitor
Glynns Solicitors are specialists in medical negligence law, consisting of a team of experienced solicitors with a wealth of expertise in complex cauda equina 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 medical negligence funding which we will discuss with you during your free initial telephone discussion.
Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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