GP Diagnosis Errors in Cauda Equina Syndrome and How to Claim Compensation
Cauda equina compression can be a medical emergency and a delay in diagnosis can lead to a catastrophic and life-changing outcome for the patient.
Diagnosis errors
Cauda equina syndrome is a fairly rare condition and many GPs may only encounter the occasional patient who is developing this debilitating condition. Nonetheless, an awareness of the symptoms and urgency of this shocking condition is absolutely crucial if the patient is to avoid permanent disability.
Errors in the GP surgery which may lead to a delay in diagnosis can include the following:
- A failure to carry out a thorough assessment, meaning that significant signs or symptoms are missed
- A failure to recognise that the patient's symptoms might be indicative of compression of the cauda equina nerves in the lumbar region of the spine
- A failure to make a referral for an MRI scan which might be a matter of emergency, leading to a delay in diagnosis
- A failure to provide red flag advice, which may mean that the patient's condition deteriorates without them understanding the need to attend hospital immediately
Delays of only a few hours can make a significant difference to the patient's outcome.
A patient who is left with loss of mobility and severe problems with bowel and bladder might have had a far better outcome with an earlier diagnosis and decompression surgery.
If the patient is found to have been the victim of negligent GP care, causing such a situation, the impact of that delay could form the basis of a successful claim for compensation.
How to claim compensation
The first step in making a claim for compensation, is to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
Cauda equina syndrome claims are extremely complex, necessitating both an understanding of the potential effects of this shocking condition as well as being conversant with the myriad legal procedures and deadlines.
Your solicitor will obtain copies of your medical records to carry out an investigation into the quality of your care as well as assisting you to produce a witness statement of your account of your interactions and experience of medical care.
A successful claim will take account of your pain and suffering as well as the financial losses caused by the negligence such as a loss of income.
Speak to a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a specific focus on cauda equina syndrome negligence.
Contact us today to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of 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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