Hospital Misdiagnosis and When to Claim Compensation for Cauda Equina Syndrome
An individual attending hospital with lower back pain and possible symptoms of cauda equina syndrome may require an emergency MRI scan. If they receive a misdiagnosis of their symptoms instead, the consequences can be life-changing.
Misdiagnosis failings in Accident and Emergency
A lack of familiarity with the symptoms of cauda equina compression may lead to a range of failings in Accident and Emergency including the following, with the patient suffering a misdiagnosis and delay in care:
- The patient may be discharged with a reassurance as to their condition which is unjustified and which may lead to them not seeking medical advice if their symptoms deteriorate
- It will lead to a delay in an accurate diagnosis, which means that what might be emergency surgery will be delayed, possibly resulting in the patient suffering a worse long-term outcome than would have been the case with an accurate diagnosis
- The patient may not be referred for an MRI scan which is crucial to the diagnosis of cauda equina compression and crucial to triggering surgical intervention
- A misdiagnosis may also mean that the patient is not given red flag advice warning them of the need to attend hospital immediately if their condition deteriorates
In essence, a misdiagnosis is likely to lead to a delay in diagnosis and where cauda equina compression is concerned this can prove catastrophic.
When to claim compensation
Complete cauda equina syndrome, which may result from a delay in diagnosis, is associated with loss of mobility, loss of control of bowel and bladder control and sexual dysfunction.
If this appalling outcome is due, in part or in full, to a misdiagnosis by hospital practitioners, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation. A successful claim will help the patient to deal with the many physical, practical and financial problems which they are now facing and address issues such as a loss of earnings and the costs of equipment, household adaptations, care or support.
Speak to a specialist solicitor as soon as possible about making a claim to ensure that you do not miss the claims deadline.
Free legal advice
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a team of experienced lawyers and extensive expertise in cauda equina syndrome claims.
Contact us today to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, about your situation and 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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