Permanent Cauda Equina Syndrome and Medical Negligence Compensation
Cauda equina syndrome can be treated if diagnosed at an early stage. It does not have to become a severely disabling permanent condition. If this distressing development does occur, however, and is due to negligent medical care, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Cauda equina syndrome
Cauda equina syndrome is the result of loss of function of the cauda equina nerves due to compression in the lumbar region of the back. This is often a progressive situation where early symptoms can flag up the initiation of compression and prompt surgery can prevent further compression and function losses.
If diagnosis is delayed, continued compression can leave the patient with permanent and debilitating symptoms including the following:
- Loss of bowel control and sensation
- Loss of bladder control and sensation
- Loss of mobility
- Loss of sexual function
It is crucial, therefore, that, where possible, the potentially disabling compression is identified and treated with surgery as soon as possible.
A delay of only a few hours, let alone days or weeks, can make a significant and life-changing difference.
Medical negligence in cauda equina compression diagnosis
If medical practitioners are responsible for such a delay and the patient suffers a worse outcome as a result, a successful compensation claim will address the impact of the patient's symptoms.
Examples of negligent medical care which could cause a delay in diagnosis and surgery could include the following:
- A failure to examine the patient or carry out appropriate tests
- A failure to identify the patient's symptoms which might indicate possible cauda equina compression
- A misdiagnosis of the patient's symptoms
- A delay in making a referral for an MRI scan
Compensation for negligent medical care
Not surprisingly, the impact of permanent disability such as identified above can utterly undermine an individual's quality of life, their working experience, their personal relationships and their own mental health.
Where negligent medical care has played a significant role, a successful claim will take account of financial losses such as restricitons in employment and income, the need for specialist treatment or equipment, care needs and the costs of adaptations to the home.
Speak to a legal specialist
Cauda equina syndrome claims are generally extremely complex requiring a meticulous analysis of the patient's medical records and a comprehensive assessment of the ways in which their life has been affected.
Contact Glynns Solicitors is you believe that you have been affected by negligent medical care.
As specialists in medical negligence law, and offering years of experience in high-value cauda equina syndrome claims, we are ideally placed to support you in pursuing compensation.
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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