Cauda Equina Delays in Accident and Emergency and When to Claim Compensation
Negligent medical care of cauda equina syndrome in an Accident and Emergency facility may leave a patient facing a lifetime of disability and may justify a claim for compensation.
Negligence in Accident and Emergency
If an individual attends Accident and Emergency with the possible symptoms of cauda equina compression, they need prompt medical attention. If they are developing compression of the cauda equina nerves in the lumbar region of the spine, they will need to undergo decompression surgery as a matter of emergency.
A delay of even a few hours can allow time for the patient's condition to deteriorate and of that delay is considered to have been unreasonable and negligent on the part of the relevant medical practitioner, it may be possible to make a claim.
Failings on the part of a medical professional which may cause a delay in diagnosis or surgery and which might be regarded as negligent could include the following:
- Failing to make a thorough assessment of the patient and to carry out a thorough examination and appropriate tests
- A failure to recognise the significance of the patient's symptoms
- A misdiagnosis of the patient's symptoms
- A delay in referring the patient for an MRI scan
- A delay in transferring a patient who requires an emergency scan to suitable facilities within a suitable timeframe
- A delay in initiating surgery
The danger of negligent delays
The risk associated with a delay in diagnosis is that the patient's nerve compression will worsen before surgery is carried out. Increasing compression puts the patient in danger of a greater loss of lower body function which can become permanent. Earlier surgery is diagnosed with the best possible outcome. The patient may recover some function or, at least, will not suffer increased function loss.
A patient may be experiencing difficulty with urinating such as having to strain. A delay in diagnosis and surgery may mean that bladder sensation is completely lost and the patient may suffer incontinence of urine as a result.
The appalling symptoms of cauda equina syndrome can completely devastate an individual's life. Consequently, if some of their symptoms are due to negligence on the part of medical professionals in Accident and Emergency, it may be possible to claim compensation.
When successful, compensation addresses the impact of any symptoms caused by negligence such as a loss of income or the costs of care or support.
Speak to a specialist solicitor
A solicitor who specialises in medical negligence law is essential to achieving a successful outcome. These claims are highly complex and require significant experience and expertise.
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a specific focus on complex cauda equina syndrome claims.
Contact us today to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, about 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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