Cauda Equina Medical Negligence
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by: Julie Glynn
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Word Count: 526
Date: Tue, 21 Feb 2012 Time: 4:50 AM
Copyright (c) 2012 Julie Glynn
Considering there are relatively few cases of Cauda Equina Syndrome recorded in the UK each year, it is an illness with a disproportionately high number of medical negligence claims. In fact, there were 63 Cauda Equina medical negligence claims worldwide between 2003 and 2007, 43 of which were in the UK. Many concluded in large compensation settlements, the largest being a sum of £584,000.
As the statistics show, Cauda Equina Syndrome is a rare condition with a high medico-legal profile. But why might it lead to a medical negligence claim? How do you know if you are entitled to compensation? And how do you begin the claims process?
How Might Cauda Equina Syndrome Lead to a Medical Negligence Claim?
Cauda Equina Syndrome is a medical emergency: urgent treatment is vital if the outcome is to be favourable. A patient is therefore entirely dependent upon medical professionals making a timely diagnosis. If there is a failure to do so, the consequences will be devastating.
Indeed, Cauda Equina Syndrome can quickly cause extensive and permanent nerve damage. There is only a small window of opportunity to prevent this from happening - treatment to decompress must be provided at the earliest opportunity. But if there is a delay, a patient will be left with long-lasting neurological injury. This can lead to a number of serious complications, including bladder dysfunction, paralysis, leg and saddle numbness and long-term pain.
To avoid such tragic consequences, medical professionals must ensure there are no significant delays in managing a patient with Cauda Equina Syndrome, as this will inevitably cause further harm. However, unfortunately delays such as this do happen. This may happen because:-
* Doctors fail to recognise the red flag symptoms of Cauda Equina Syndrome;
* The wrong diagnosis is made - for example, a patient may be told he has a more minor condition such as a urinary tract infection;
* There is a failure to carry out diagnostic tests which would help to lead to a correct diagnosis;
* There is a failure to identify the underlying cause of Cauda Equina Syndrome - for example, a tumour which is pressing on the spinal cord;
* Surgical referral is delayed.
How Do I Make A Cauda Equina Compensation Claim?
If any of the above has happened to you, or you believe your Cauda Equina Syndrome was poorly managed by medical professionals, you may be the victim of medical negligence. This means that the standard of care provided fell below an acceptable level, causing you additional pain and suffering. In turn, you will be entitled to make a medical negligence claim, which will allow you to claim compensation for the damage which has been done - both in terms of physical and emotional injury, and in terms of financial loss.
To find out whether you are able to make a claim, you need to speak to a legal expert. A solicitor will be able to listen to the details of your treatment before suggesting whether or not you have the grounds for a Cauda Equina medical negligence claim. If so, your solicitor can begin the claims process on your behalf, helping you to get the compensation you rightfully deserve.
About the Author
What Is Cauda Equina? Glynns Solicitors are specialist medical negligence solicitors with expertise in cauda equina syndrome nhs.
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