Spine Compression Negligence and Compensation for Cauda Equina Syndrome
Negligent medical care in relation to compression of the spine can result in a patient suffering complete cauda equina syndrome. It may also justify a claim for compensation.
Cauda equina nerve compression
If compression in the spine causes dysfunction of the nerves, the impact can be devastating. Nowhere is this more true than with the cauda equina nerves in the lumbar region at the base of the spine. These crucial nerves are responsible for widespread function in the lower body and a loss of function, or a reduction in function, can lead to life changing symptoms including the following:
- Reduction of mobility and possible paralysis
- Bladder dysfunction and incontinence
- Bowel dysfunction and incontinence
- Altered sexual function or loss of sensation and function
The myriad of complications which can be caused by this appalling cocktail of dysfunction is hard to imagine. From damaging an individual's self-esteem, putting pressure on personal relationships, impacting on a person's ability to work, necessitating the introduction of personal care, to the need for specialised accommodation, the consequences are often severe, distressing and costly.
Negligent medical care
Where the opportunity for timely diagnosis and surgery is presented, competent and timely medical intervention can minimise the long-term impact. Equally, delays in diagnosis and surgery due to negligent medical care can lead to a worse outcome than would have been the case with an appropriate medical response.
In these circumstances, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation which will address the financial losses experienced by the patient as a result of their negligent care.
For example, the symptoms associated with cauda equina syndrome can make it difficult for an individual to work and may restrict the nature of employment which they can undertake. If this causes the patient to experience a loss of income, both past and future, these financial losses can be taken into account in a successful claim. Likewise, the costs of care or adaptations to a person's home can also be incorporated.
Get specialist legal advice
Compensation claims for this catastrophic condition can be both lengthy and complex. If you think that either you or a loved one may have a claim, it is important to speak with a specialist solicitor who will be able to undertake an informed investigation of the quality of your medical care.
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with vast experience of cauda equina claims. Contact us today to speak with 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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