Symptom Assessment Negligence and Compensation for Cauda Equina Syndrome
If medical professionals fail in their care of a patient with cauda equina compression, the long-term outcome can be catastrophic and may justify a claim for compensation.
Diagnosing a patient with cauda equina compression
Many of our clients who are making claims for compensation for negligent medical care of cauda equina syndrome have experienced problems and delays with their diagnosis.
This is crucial as a delay can allow time for the spinal compression to worsen and for the patient's loss of lower body function to increase and become permanent.
Failing to recognise the symptoms of cauda equina compression may be regarded as negligent as well as failing to identify those symptoms in the first place.
A thorough assessment of a patient with lower back pain is essential if the medical professional is to rule out the likelihood that the patient is developing this appalling condition.
It may not occur to the patient that their other symptoms are significant. They may believe that their problems are due to the impact of pain relief rather than key red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome.
Negligent diagnosis process
Perineal and urinary symptoms are crucial in raising the suspicion that a patient is suffering from compression of the cauda equina nerves and it is essential that a medical professional considers the need to question the patient about such symptoms. Loss of sensation in the saddle region, loss of sensation of a full bladder and difficulty urinating are all signs that the patient may be developing cauda equina syndrome.
Failing to ask the right questions and failing to carry out the appropriate tests may lead to a misdiagnosis and, ultimately, a delay in the patient receiving the correct treatment for their compressed nerves.
Claiming compensation
If a patient suffers due to negligent medical care, they are legally entitled to claim compensation for the impact of the negligence.
In the case of cauda equina syndrome, the impact can be wide-ranging and life-changing. This terrible condition can reduce the patient's ability to work, to undertake a range of everyday tasks and activities and to remain independent within their own home. It may necessitate alterations to their home to help them to manage their symptoms of incontinence and loss of mobility.
The psychological impact can be considerable.
Speak to a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors are specialists in medical negligence law with a specific focus on cauda equina syndrome 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 funding for medical negligence claims which we will discuss with you during your free initial telephone discussion.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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