If you have suffered permanent harm because doctors did not act upon your cauda equina syndrome quickly enough, you could be entitled to sue those responsible.
Who can sue for cauda equina neglect?
Cauda equina syndrome is a medical condition that requires emergency surgery. This means that medical practitioners need to recognise the symptoms, diagnose the condition correctly and transfer a patient to theatre as soon as possible – ideally within 24 hours.
Medical experts agree that with acute cauda equina syndrome, the best outcomes are achieved when decompression surgery is performed within 24 hours. A recovery can still be made if the operation occurs within 48 hours, but after that the prospects of a good outcome dwindle significantly.
Because there is such as small window of opportunity in which to operate, cauda equina claims normally relate to delays in care – be it a delay in diagnosis and/or a delay in treatment.
Can I sue for neglect cauda equina?
There are many different ways in which a medical negligence claim might arise. To find out if you are able to pursue legal action for cauda equina syndrome, the easiest thing to do is contact a solicitor who specialises in this area of the law.
As mentioned above, cauda equina claims normally relate to a delay in medical care. It might be that there were delays in:
- Referring you for an MRI scan
- Analysing the MRI scan results
- Making a diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome
- Decompression surgery
- Dealing with post-operative complications, such as a haematoma
Why sue for medical neglect?
Suing the NHS or other medical organisation will ensure that you are properly compensated for your losses. This does not just refer to the pain and suffering you have needlessly endured – and are likely to endure in the future. It also entails recovering all the money you have lost because of the negligence, including your lost earnings. This can be extremely important, as your ability to work may be compromised by your injuries.
Making a claim against the NHS also works to prevent similar mistakes being made in the future. The medical practitioners involved can learn from the errors and improve the care being provided.
Expert legal advice
To speak to a medical negligence lawyer about claiming compensation for cauda equina syndrome, please get in touch with us at Glynns Solicitors. All initial enquiries are free of charge and obligation.