Cauda equina negligence during spinal surgery can have devastating, life-altering consequences. The cauda equina is a bundle of nerves at the base of the spinal cord, and any damage to this area can lead to a range of severe symptoms, including incontinence, paralysis, and sexual dysfunction. If you or a loved one has suffered from cauda equina syndrome following spinal surgery due to medical negligence, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation. The article will also highlight how you can start a medical negligence claim.
Understanding Cauda Equina Syndrome and Negligence
Cauda equina syndrome (CES) occurs when the cauda equina nerves are compressed, disrupting the vital signals they send to the bladder, bowel, and lower limbs. This compression can be caused by various factors, but in the context of spinal surgery, it often arises due to surgical errors, such as:
- Direct damage to the nerves during the procedure
- Inappropriate placement of surgical hardware
- Failure to decompress the nerves adequately
- Post-operative bleeding or swelling leading to nerve compression
Negligence in this context means that the surgeon or medical team failed to provide the expected standard of care, leading to avoidable harm. This could involve a failure to diagnose the condition promptly, delays in surgery, or substandard surgical technique.
Recognising the Red Flags of Cauda Equina Syndrome
Early diagnosis and treatment of cauda equina syndrome are crucial in minimising long-term damage. Therefore, it’s essential to be aware of the red flags that may indicate cauda equina compression: Â
- Severe lower back pain
- Numbness or tingling in the saddle area (groin, buttocks, inner thighs)
- Bladder or bowel dysfunction (incontinence, difficulty urinating or defecating)
- Weakness or paralysis in one or both legs
- Sexual dysfunction
If you experience any of these symptoms following spinal surgery, seek urgent medical attention.
Establishing Negligence in Cauda Equina Claims
Proving negligence in cauda equina claims requires demonstrating that the medical professionals involved breached their duty of care towards you. This involves:
- Establishing a Duty of Care: A clear doctor-patient relationship existed where the medical team owed you a duty to provide competent care.
- Breach of Duty: The medical professionals’ actions fell below the accepted standard of care for a reasonably competent professional in the same field.
- Causation: The breach of duty directly caused or significantly contributed to your cauda equina syndrome and subsequent injuries.
Expert medical evidence is crucial in establishing these elements and linking your condition to the negligent actions or omissions of the medical team.
The Impact of Cauda Equina Negligence
The consequences of cauda equina negligence can be profound and far-reaching, impacting every aspect of a person’s life. These can include:
- Physical limitations: Paralysis, mobility issues, chronic pain, and difficulty with everyday tasks.
- Loss of independence: Inability to work, drive, or participate in social activities, leading to reliance on others for care.
- Psychological impact: Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and loss of self-esteem due to the life-changing injuries.
- Financial strain: Loss of income, medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and home adaptations.
A successful cauda equina negligence claim seeks to compensate for these losses and provide the necessary financial support to help you cope with the challenges and rebuild your life.
Making a Medical Negligence Claim with National Claims
At National Claims, we understand the devastating impact that medical negligence can have on your life and the lives of your loved ones. If you believe you or a family member has suffered harm due to substandard medical care, such as misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication errors, or delayed treatment, we are here to help you by connecting you with a solicitor from our panel who will be able to assess your case.
Free Consultation
We recognise that every medical negligence case is unique, and we’re here to offer you a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your specific situation. During this consultation, we’ll listen attentively to your experience, and assess the potential strength of your claim. Our team will then connect you with a qualified solicitor from our panel who specialises in medical negligence claims, ensuring that you receive the expert legal representation needed to pursue your case effectively.
*Customers pay up to 25% (incl. VAT) of the amount recovered towards solicitor costs and if you cancel outside your cooling off period, you may be charged a fee.
Contact us today to speak to one of our claims agents who will be able to help you get started on your claim.
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