Cauda Equina Compression Treatment Delay and How to Claim Compensation
If surgery to decompress the spine is delayed, the patient may be legally entitled to claim compensation for the consequences.
Cauda equina compression
Cauda equina compression is a medical emergency. Even a short delay can leave an individual with permanent lower body disability which may not have been the case with an earlier diagnosis.
Complete cauda equina syndrome, the collection of function losses which can be caused by the nerve compression, leaves the patient with loss of bladder and bowel sensation and function, loss of sexual function and loss of mobility.
Therefore, recognising the possible symptoms, warning a patient of the red flags and ensuring that a patient who may be developing this disabling condition receives timely treatment is absolutely crucial.
Medical negligence and cauda equina compression
If a medical professional, whether in the GP surgery or in Accident and Emergency causes a delay in diagnosis and treatment, they may be regarded as negligent and if their actions, or failure to act, is considered to have caused a deterioration in the patient's outcome, it may be possible to claim compensation for the impact.
Examples of substandard medical care which may cause a delay in diagnosis and surgery could include the following:
- A failure to carry out a thorough assessment of a patient with lower back pain
- A failure to recognise the possible symptoms of compression of the cauda equina nerves
- A misdiagnosis of the patient's symptoms, leading to a delay in making an accurate diagnosis
- A failure to make a timely referral for an MRI scan
- A misinterpretation of the results of an MRI scan
- A failure to provide a patient with the necessary red flag warnings
- A delay in initiating surgery
Cauda equina syndrome consequences
The dramatic combination of symptoms which results from loss of function of the cauda equina nerves understandably causes an array of difficulties in an individual's life. It may affect their capacity to work, to carry out normal everyday tasks and to remain independent. Their home may become a challenge to their safety and they may need alterations to be carried out to enable them to function effectively.
They may have to change their job due to the limitations imposed by their appalling lower body function losses.
The financial costs and losses which can result from such dramatic changes to a person's life can be incorporated into a successful compensation claim if it is found that this situation could have been avoided with more competent and timely medical care.
Speak to a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a medical negligence legal practice with years of experience in high-value complex cauda equina syndrome claims.
Contact us today to talk to a solicitor who will investigate the quality of your medical care and assess whether or not you are entitled to make 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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