Compensation Claims and Cauda Equina Medical Negligence
Cauda equina syndrome can leave an individual permanently disabled. When is it appropriate to make a compensation claim for medical negligence?
Cauda equina syndrome
The long-term symptoms of cauda equina syndrome can make for a distressing condition. As the nerves at the base of the spine become compressed, the victim can suffer an array of shocking symptoms, one of which would alone be life-changing and hard to tackle. In combination, the patient may find they are struggling to work, struggling to remain independent and struggling to cope psychologically with their condition.
An individual with complete cauda equina syndrome is likely to be experiencing the following symptoms:
- Loss of lower body mobility
- Loss of ability to control the passing of faeces and wind due to bowel incontinence
- Loss of ability control the passing of urine due to bladder incontinence
- Loss of sexual sensation and function
Medical negligence and cauda equina syndrome
Developing this appalling condition does not necessarily justify a claim for compensation for medical negligence.
However, such is the impact of cauda equina syndrome that, if a medical professional fails to recognise the possible symptoms at an early stage when recovery may have been possible, they may considered as negligent.
If the patient subsequently suffers a poor long-term outcome due to the treatment delays caused by the negligence, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
If possible, decompression surgery needs to be carried out before the patient loses all bladder sensation. The symptoms which might indicate that a patient is developing this condition would include the following:
- Bilateral sciatica symptoms (in both legs rather than one)
- Altered perineal and perianal symptoms such as losing sensation between the legs and around the buttocks
- Altered bladder sensation
- Altered experience of urinating such as having to strain to pass urine
Making a compensation claim
If you believe you may have been the victim of poor-quality care of cauda equina syndrome, contact Glynns Solicitors.
If your substandard treatment has caused on-going difficulties and financial losses, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Remember that compensation claims for medical negligence have to be initiated within three years of the date of the alleged negligence.
Contact Glynns Solicitors today to discuss your situation with an experienced lawyer with expertise in cauda equina syndrome negligence claims.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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