How Do I Get Compensation for Negligent CES Care?
Negligent care of a patient who is developing compression of the cauda equina nerves can cause permanent disability and may justify a claim for compensation.
What is ‘negligent' CES care?
Cauda equina compression, which can lead to cauda equina syndrome, is often a medical emergency. The compression of the cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine needs to be diagnosed at the earliest possible moment and the patient often needs to undergo surgery to decompress the nerves within hours. A failure to achieve these outcomes can leave the patient suffering permanent disability in the form of double incontinence, loss of mobility and loss of sexual function.
Unfortunately, negligent medical care can occur at a number of points during the care pathway including the following:
- A failure to recognise the possible early symptoms of cauda equina compression such as lower back and leg pain and altered sensation in the saddle area
- A failure to carry out a thorough examination for signs and symptoms of cauda equina compression
- A misdiagnosis of the symptoms of cauda equina compression
- A failure to provide the patient with red flag warnings of cauda equina syndrome and the need to attend hospital should these symptoms develop
- A delay in making a referral for an MRI scan which will delay diagnosis
- A delay in initiating decompression surgery for cauda equina syndrome
Any of the above can cause a delay in the care of a life-changing condition which should otherwise receive immediate medical attention.
How to claim compensation
You are legally entitled to claim compensation if it is found that your medical care was negligent and that it caused you to suffer an adverse outcome which would not have been the case with an appropriate level of care.
A successful compensation claim would take account of the consequences of the negligence such as a loss of income if your symptoms have affected your ability to work or the nature of employment you can undertake.
Inevitably, such cases are extremely complex, requiring the input of a range of medical experts and the skills of a specialist solicitor who will obtain your medical records and investigate the quality of your care. If you think you may have a claim, your best first step is to speak with a legal specialist.
Speak with a solicitor
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a team of experienced lawyers and a history of success with high-value cauda equina syndrome claims.
Contact us today to speak with a solicitor, free of charge, about your experience and 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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