GP Delayed Diagnosis and Cauda Equina Compensation
If your GP has caused a delay in the diagnosis and treatment of cauda equina compression, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation for the consequences of the negligence.
Cauda equina negligence
Cauda equina syndrome is a fairly rare condition and, as such, many GPs may not have encountered it before. If this leads to a failure to recognise the symptoms and a delay in achieving an accurate diagnosis, the impact on the patient can be life-changing.
As a generally progressive condition, any delay in medical care can allow time for the nerve compression to increase, thereby causing greater loss of lower body function. If your GP is responsible for this situation, it may be appropriate to make a claim for the impact, such as a loss of income, which results from symptoms such as loss of mobility and double incontinence.
Negligent medical care
Cauda equina syndrome can be a medical emergency and so prompt and competent medical care is crucial. Unfortunately, there are several ways in which negligence can occur in primary care, resulting in a catastrophic delay:
- A failure by a GP to recognise the possible symptoms of cauda equina compression
- A failure to carry out a thorough examination of the patient for additional signs and symptoms of cauda equina compression
- A misdiagnosis of symptoms
- A delay in making a referral for an MRI scan for cauda equina compression
- A failure by a GP to provide a patient with the red flag warnings of cauda equina compression
- A delay in reporting MRI scan results
- A delay in commencing decompression surgery which is often required within hours rather than days or weeks
Making a claim for compensation
Investigating a claim of medical negligence regarding cauda equina syndrome is a complicated process, requiring the input of an array of medical experts and the skills of a specialist solicitor.
The patient’s medical records will need to be assessed thoroughly in order to identify whether or not there has been a breach of duty and, if it is found to be the case, what impact any delay had on the long-term physical outcome for the patient.
If a patient is suffering debilitating consequences which would not have been the case with more timely and appropriate care, they may be entitled to claim compensation.
Speak to a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a team of experienced lawyers and a history of successful high-value cauda equina claims.
Contact us today to speak with a specialist solicitor, free of charge, about 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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