Medical negligence claims that relate to cauda equina syndrome often result in large compensation payouts. If you believe you could be entitled to such compensation, you need to speak to a solicitor about making a claim today.
Why is cauda equina compensation so high?
According to the Medical Protection Society (MPS), the average payout for cauda equina claims between 2003 and 2007 was £117,331. The highest settlement during the same period was over half a million pounds.
According to the MPS, these settlements are “a reflection of the damaging and distressing nature of the condition.” Indeed, cauda equina syndrome can lead to terrible life-changing complications, if not diagnosed and treated in a timely fashion. This is because if the cauda equina nerves are compressed for too long, they will suffer irreparable damage and permanently lose function. This will result long-term neurological problems such as urinary incontinence, the loss of anal sphincter control and sexual dysfunction. There may also be partial or total paralysis in the lower limbs.
Cauda equina compensation
Evidently the consequences of a delay in diagnosing and treating cauda equina syndrome will be very upsetting. They will have a significant impact upon a person’s life, causing great physical and emotional pain. Many will subsequently struggle to carry out domestic chores, continue in their employment and pursue their hobbies. Many also find their social lives are adversely affected, as is their relationship with their spouse.
Because of these physical, emotional and financial implications, compensation settlements for cauda equina syndrome are often very high. This is intended to achieve two things: firstly to reflect your general damages (relating to your pain, suffering and loss of amenity), and secondly to reimburse your special damages (relating to your acute financial loss).
Calculating compensation for cauda equina syndrome
Your sum general damages will be determined by your solicitor who will assess the extent of pain, suffering and loss of amenity you have experienced because of medical error. Loss of amenity means that way in which your quality of life has been affected.
Your solicitor will then calculate your special damages in a schedule of loss, a document which details all the money you have lost because of the negligence. If you have been left unable to work, this will increase your compensation settlement considerably.
Claim cauda equina compensation today
If you think your cauda equina syndrome was negligently managed by medical professionals, you need to talk to a solicitor about claiming compensation for your damages. Contact us at the Cauda Equina Solicitors to find out more.