If your Cauda Equina Syndrome claim is successful, you will be awarded a sum of compensation. In this article we explore compensation settlements in more detail, explaining what your compensation covers, how much you will receive and how to go about claiming compensation for medical errors related to Cauda Equina Syndrome.
What do I receive compensation for?
A compensation settlement has two purposes: firstly, to recompense for the pain and suffering caused, and secondly, to put the injured party back into the financial position they were in before the negligence occurred. A settlement will therefore be made up of the following two elements:-
1. General damages
General damages are intended to reflect the pain, suffering a loss of amenity caused as a direct result of medical negligence. Consideration will be given to how your injuries have impacted your life thus far and how they will continue to do so in the future.
2. Special damages
Special damages are intended to recover the acute financial loss you have incurred as a direct result of medical negligence. This can include a loss of earnings, the cost of medical treatment, travel expenses and specialist equipment.
How much compensation will I receive?
The amount of compensation a medical negligence victim will receive will be determined by the extent of their injuries. Evidently, this will differ from case to case. However, with regard to Cauda Equina Syndrome, the long-term complications that arise as a result of medical error are usually of a serious nature. For example, a patient may be left with permanent disability, continuing bowel and bladder dysfunction and extreme pain. Due to the severity and on-going nature of these injuries, the sum awarded for general damages is likely to be very high.
Your solicitor will decide a sum that duly reflects the damage you have suffered. This will be aided by an independent medical expert who will be asked to prepare a report on your injuries. Your solicitor will then calculate your acute financial loss by creating a schedule of special damages. These two figures will be added together to create an appropriate compensation settlement.
Do I receive all of my compensation?
Every case is assessed free of charge at the beginning of the claim and all funding options will be discussed with you. You may have to pay some legal costs but this will be made clear to you at the beginning of your claim.
Want to claim compensation for Cauda Equina Syndrome?
If you have sought medical attention for Cauda Equina Syndrome which was then mismanaged by medical professionals, you could be entitled to claim compensation. If you would like discuss making a compensation claim, contact us today at the Cauda Equina Solicitors for a free, no obligation assessment.