Symptoms Missed in Cauda Equina Syndrome: When to Make a Claim
For a medical professional to miss the signs and symptoms of cauda equina syndrome may prove catastrophic for the patient. When is it appropriate to make a claim for compensation?
Missing the symptoms of cauda equina syndrome
If a patient attends their GP or Accident and Emergency facility with the signs and symptoms of cauda equina syndrome, a failure to recognise that condition as a possible diagnosis may mean that there is a delay before an accurate diagnosis is achieved.
Symptoms which might indicate that the patient is suffering from compression of the cauda equina nerves can include lower back pain, bilateral leg pain and altered sensation, urinary symptoms and sensation losses in the saddle area.
Unfortunately, a delay in the treatment of this appalling and life-changing condition can leave the patient with permanent disability. If the compression of the cauda equina nerves increases, the loss of lower body function may also increase.
Where medical negligence has contributed to or caused the delay during which the patient's long-term outcome has worsened, it may be appropriate to make a claim.
Missing key symptoms may mean that the patient is diagnosed with a less sinister condition and does not receive the emergency treatment which they need.
Negligent medical care may include the following:
- A failure to carry out a thorough assessment of the patient's symptoms and signs
- A misdiagnosis of the patient's symptoms
- A failure to recognise the significance of the patient's symptoms
Making a claim
If you think that you may have been the victim of medical negligence in the diagnosis of your cauda equina syndrome, the first step is to ascertain whether or not this is, in fact, the case.
A specialist solicitor will be able to obtain copies of your medical records and carry out an investigation of the quality of your medical care.
This process can be time consuming so, if you are thinking of making a claim, it is essential that you contact a specialist solicitor as soon as possible.
There is a three-year deadline within which such claims must be issued and a specialist solicitor will make sure that this deadline, and all other procedures are adhered to.
Free legal advice
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal firm with a team of specialist lawyers and a specific focus on cauda equina claims.
Contact us today to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, about your situation and 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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