Suing the NHS for Negligent Cauda Equina Syndrome Surgery
If you have undergone an MRI scan for suspected cauda equina syndrome, you may require emergency surgery to decompress your spine. A failure to organise your surgery within reasonable timescales may justify a claim for compensation against the NHS.
Surgery in cauda equina syndrome
If a patient with incomplete cauda equina syndrome receives a confirmed diagnosis of their condition following their MRI scan, it is usually considered necessary to organise surgery within a matter of hours.
It is essential that the patient's cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine are decompressed before their condition becomes irreversible. Cauda equina syndrome is a progressive condition and, if the pressure on the nerves increases during the wait for surgery, the patient may well lose all bladder sensation and control. Once this has occurred, their chances of recovery of function are reduced and they may face a lifetime of bowel and bladder dysfunction.
Whereas, if surgery is undertaken whilst the patient is considered to have incomplete cauda equina syndrome and still retains some bladder sensation and function, they should not then deteriorate further. This can make all the difference between having function and loss of function.
Cauda equina and loss of function
The knock-on effects of loss of bowel and bladder function as well as the possible loss of mobility can utterly alter a person's life, affecting their capacity to work, travel, socialise and remain independent.
Such effects will, inevitably also result in considerable financial losses as employment may be restricted and the patient may require some personal care.
If the patient suffers long-term physical and problems as a result of delayed surgery, a claim for compensation may be appropriate. A successful compensation claim can provide recompense for the patient's pain and suffering as well as any financial losses associated with the negligence.
A successful compensation claim should return to the individual to the financial position they should have been in had the negligence not occurred. For example, if a person's income has been reduced due to the effects of their negligent medical care, a successful compensation claim should compensate them for that loss.
Speak to a specialist solicitor
If you or a loved one are struggling with the long-term impact of cauda equina syndrome due to a delay in organising surgery, contact Glynns to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
Here at Glynns we have supported numerous clients in making highly-successful compensation claims for negligent management of cauda equina surgery and we will be very happy to advise you.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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