Late Diagnosis and Compensation for Cauda Equina Medical Negligence
A late diagnosis of cauda equina compression can mean the difference between effective lower body function and severe loss of function. Speak to a legal specialist if you are now struggling with disabling symptoms.
The impact of a delayed diagnosis
An individual who has been left with complete cauda equina syndrome due to medical negligence can face a future of significant lower body disability.
This can include a loss of control of bladder and bowel function, a loss of sexual sensation and function and a loss of mobility.
Early diagnosis can ensure that surgery is carried out in time to prevent such catastrophic function losses.
If medical professionals are responsible for the delay in diagnosis, they may be regarded as negligent and it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
As an individual's nerve compression can worsen over time, diagnosis at the earliest possible moment is essential to a good outcome.
Any delay in diagnosis can allow time for the compression and the loss of function to increase. If this is the result of medical negligence, the relevant professionals may be held responsible for the degree of function loss which the patient has experienced which would not have been the case with earlier diagnosis.
Delays in diagnosis of cauda equina compression
Possible examples of medical negligence which delay the patient's ultimate diagnosis and surgery can include the following:
- A failure to carry out an examination of the patient, thereby missing relevant symptoms
- A failure to carry out appropriate tests for evidence of red flag signs and symptoms
- A failure to elicit any additional symptoms from the patient who may not be aware of their significance
- A failure to recognise the significance of the patient's symptoms a misdiagnosis of the patient's symptoms, causing a delay in diagnosis
- A failure to make a timely referral for an MRI scan or specialist assessment
- A failure to provide red flag advice to the patient meaning that they fail to seek urgent medical attention when these symptoms develop
Claiming compensation
If a patient suffers as a result of negligent medical care, they are legally entitled to claim compensation for the consequences.
In the case of cauda equina syndrome, the impact and financial losses can be significant.
To find out if you are entitled to make a claim, contact Glynns Solicitors, specialists in medical negligence law.
Our team of specialist lawyers offers extensive expertise in these complex claims and a history of success in high-value cases.
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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