subject: Can I Claim For Cauda Equina Syndrome? [print this page] Cauda Equina Syndrome is a rare but serious condition that requires a quick diagnosis and urgent treatment. If medical professionals fail to do so, you will understandably be feeling angry and upset about the level of care you received. You will also probably have a number of questions you would like answered. For example, why was your condition poorly managed? Have you been the victim of medical negligence? And if so, are you able to make a claim for compensation?
In this article we take a look at these queries, helping you understand whether you could be entitled to make a medical negligence claim.
Who can claim for Cauda Equina Syndrome negligence?
All medical professionals have a duty of care towards their patients. This means they must at the very least provide their patients with an acceptable standard of medical care (as judged by a responsible body of medical men). With regards to Cauda Equina Syndrome, an 'acceptable standard of medical care' would generally involve medical professionals:-
- Recognising the signs and symptoms of spinal compression;
- Carrying out a physical examination to help determine a diagnosis;
- Carrying out further diagnostic tests if spinal compression is suspected;
- Referring a patient to a specialist if Cauda Equina Syndrome is suspected;
- Performing emergency treatment as soon as Cauda Equina Syndrome is diagnosed.
If there is a failure to follow an acceptable course of care such as the one described above, then the level of care provided may have fallen to a substandard level. This represents a breach of duty, and anyone injured as a result will be entitled to make a medical negligence claim. This could include, for example, a patient who is discharged from hospital despite presenting the typical symptoms of Cauda Equina Syndrome. If a delay in diagnosis causes further injury (such as long-term health complications) the patient will be considered the victim of medical negligence. It will then be possible to pursue a medical negligence claim for compensation.
Where can you find further advice?
If you believe you Cauda Equina Syndrome was poorly managed by medical professionals, you need to seek advice from a legal expert who specialises in medical negligence claims. After a short discussion, a solicitor will be able to suggest what options are available to you. Cauda Equina Syndrome is a particularly prevalent source of litigation, so it is very possible that you have been harmed because of a substandard level of care. If so, your solicitor can help you make a claim against the responsible party, working on your behalf to obtain the compensation to which you are legally entitled.
