Spinal Compression Negligence and Compensation for the Impact
Compression of the nerves in the spinal column can cause devastating and disabling injury. Timely and competent medical intervention may be essential if the patient is to avoid permanent function loss.
Cauda equina nerve compression
Effective functioning of the cauda equina nerves is crucial to lower body sensation and muscle movement.
Located at the base of the spine, these vital nerves can become compressed or squashed by a local condition such as a herniated disc or a tumour.
If a patient starts to experience symptoms which may be indicative of this compression, it is essential that medical professionals recognise the possible implications and refer the patient for further investigation and, where appropriate, surgery to decompress the nerves. This needs to be done within a strict timeframe, without which the patient's compression may increase, their function may decrease and their long-term quality of life may look bleak indeed.
Medical negligence and compensation
If negligence on the part of medical professionals contributes to a delay in diagnosis or treatment, leaving the patient with a worse outcome than would have been the case with an acceptable level of care, it may be possible to make a claim.
Medical negligence in relation to compression of the cauda equina nerves could include a failure to recognise the possible symptoms of compression such as pain and altered sensation in the legs, altered sensation in the saddle area, altered urinary or bladder sensation or function. A failure to carry out a thorough assessment of the patient may also be regarded as negligent.
Cauda equina compression can be a medical emergency, sometimes requiring an emergency MRI scan to confirm the underlying cause of the patient's symptoms. If medical professionals are unaware of this level of urgency, delaying the referral for a scan, the patient may suffer a deterioration of their condition before an accurate diagnosis and surgery are achieved.
Where medical professionals are found to have been negligent, the patient should be entitled to make a claim for the impact such as any income loss and costs associated with the consequences of their condition such as accommodation alterations.
Speak to a legal specialist
If you think that you or a loved one may be entitled to make a claim, the first step is to seek the advice of a legal specialist.
As specialists in medical negligence law, Glynns Solicitors speak to the victims of cauda equina negligence on a daily basis.
Contact us today 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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