Cauda Equina Syndrome and Medico-Legal Claims

Cauda Equina Syndrome is a rare condition, but it is one that commonly leads to a successful medical negligence claim. In this article we explore why it is such a regular source of litigation, and whether or not you could be entitled to make a claim.

Cauda equina syndrome: a common source of litigation

Patients who have cauda equina syndrome are often able to make a compensation claim for the long-term injuries they have been left with. This is because it is a condition that must be diagnosed and treated quickly if a person is going to regain normal function. But unfortunately medical practitioners can be extremely slow in making an accurate diagnosis, causing the patient with permanent neurological complications.

The reason doctors often make a delayed diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome is twofold. Firstly, it is rare condition and many medical professionals will not have seen it before during the course of their career. This is especially true of junior doctors. Secondly, the condition has symptoms very similar to other more minor illnesses including a urinary tract infection and generalised back pain. Therefore some medical practitioners will make a wrong diagnosis without considering the alternatives.

Have you got a cauda equina claim?

However, neither reason is a valid excuse for a delayed diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome. Any reasonably competent medical professional should be aware of spinal nerve compression and be aware of the red flag symptoms.

Furthermore, any reasonably competent medical professional should carry out the necessary tests to confirm whether or not an accurate diagnosis has been obtained. For example, if a urinary tract infection is suspected, a urine test should be taken to ensure a patient is indeed suffering from an infection. If the signs of infection are absent, a doctor should quickly reconsider the diagnosis and perform further tests. This action will ensure a wrong diagnosis is avoided.

If the incompetence of medical professionals has caused a delay in the diagnosis and treatment of your cauda equina syndrome, you could be in a position to pursue a cauda equina claim.

Speak to a solicitor today

If you think your cauda equina syndrome was negligently handled by medical practitioners, do not hesitate to seek expert legal advice. At the Cauda Equina Solicitors we offer everyone a free initial consultation, after which we will be able to suggest whether or not you are able to make a cauda equina claim.

Please call us free on 0800 234 3300, from a mobile click to call 01275 334030 or complete our Free Online Enquiry for a no cost, no obligation opinion.

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