Treatment Delay and Compensation for Cauda Equina Syndrome
Treatment in the form of nerve decompression to address the problem of cauda equina syndrome is frequently a matter of emergency. A delay in surgery which leaves the patient facing a poor long-term outcome may justify a claim for compensation.
Treatment delay
A delay in initiating surgery may be the result of failing to understand the urgency of the situation. Any delay in treating cauda equina compression can allow the patient's symptoms to deteriorate, leaving them with permanent lower body dysfunction.
If the patient is at the early stages of cauda equina syndrome, surgery may be needed within hours rather than days.
A delay, significantly beyond what would normally be regarded as acceptable, may be regarded as negligent.
Diagnosis delay
Of course, a delay in surgery to decompress the cauda equina nerves may also be due to a delay in diagnosis. Without a confirmed diagnosis, surgery will not be triggered and time will pass, in which the patient's condition may suffer.
If diagnosis is delayed, whether by a GP or Accident and Emergency practitioner, due to a variety of possible reasons, it may still be regarded as negligent medical care.
Unfortunately, diagnosis can be delayed for a variety of reasons including the following:
- A failure to carry out a thorough examination and assessment of the patient
- A failure to recognise the possible symptoms of cauda equina compression
- A failure to seek a second opinion
- A failure to provide red flag warnings
- A failure to make an appropriate and timely referral for an MRI scan
Claiming compensation for cauda equina syndrome
The permanent symptoms associated with cauda equina syndrome are shocking and life-changing.
If diagnosis and surgery are delayed, an individual in the early stages of this appalling condition can deteriorate to complete cauda equina syndrome,. This is associated with loss of mobility, loss of sexual function and double incontinence.
The consequences can be psychologically and physically debilitating, compromising an individual's entire way of life from their ability to work through to their ability to remain independent and support their family.
If this distressing outcome is considered to have been in full or in part due to a delay in treatment for this terrible condition, it may be possible to claim compensation.
Speak to a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors specialises in cauda equina syndrome claims and can offer a wealth of expertise and success in high-value claims.
Contact us today to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim for compensation.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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