Delay In Diagnosis of CES Leaves Woman Disabled
What happened to Michelle?
Michelle suffered with back pain for some time before she collapsed at home aged 39. She visited her GP and said that she was suffering some urinary incontinence and numbness. She was told about Cauda Equina Syndrome and to look out for “red flag symptoms” – signs that the condition was getting worse and an alert that she should seek immediate medical intervention.
Some days later, her symptoms worsened and by now she was incontinent. Michelle called an ambulance and was taken to hospital. She was seen by a junior doctor in the Emergency Department but her concerns that she might be suffering with Cauda Equina Syndrome were dismissed. She was sent home.
A few days later Michelle’s GP telephoned her. This was a courtesy call, to see how she was feeling. Michelle told the GP about the worsening of her symptoms and her fruitless visit to hospital. Her GP immediately called the hospital to book an emergency MRI scan. This was done and Cauda Equina Syndrome was diagnosed. Michelle had emergency surgery the same day, but it was too late.
How can MDS Medical Law Help you?
While no amount of compensation will ever be enough for your or a family member’s suffering, if you or a loved one has been affected by healthcare negligence leaving them or you with cauda equina syndrome, we can help you through the legal process for investigating your concerns against a healthcare professional and your negligence claim if there is one.
We will do this by providing legal representation on a no-win-no-fee basis.
to investigate what happened, help you get some answers, help you secure compensation, help seek justice for you and help to secure your or your loved one’s future.
Our investigations
As experienced Cauda Equina Syndrome lawyers we know that Cauda Equina Syndrome requires immediate medical investigation and treatment to prevent permanent neurological damage.
We were instructed to investigate the case on behalf of Michelle and our investigations confirmed that the junior doctor had failed to appropriately consider Michelle’s symptoms and failed to refer her for a diagnostic MRI scan.
The Trust admitted liability for these failures and provided a formal apology to Michelle as well as putting in place measures to minimise the likelihood of a similar incident happening again.
Nationally Recognised Specialists in Cauda Equina cases
We can help you investigate your Cauda Equina Case and help you to recover compensation for your physical and psychological injury together with the cost of future treatment, rehabilitation, loss of earnings (if unable to work as a result of the injury), vital aids and equipment and for any care or support that is required as long as it can be attributed to the negligence.
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The outcome for our client
As a result of the failure to undertake an MRI on attendance to the Emergency Department, Michelle’s diagnosis and surgery was delayed and she was left with permanent neurological damage, including numb legs (such that she requires the use of crutches for life) and ongoing incontinence.
She also suffered with psychological symptoms because of the delay and ongoing restrictions on activities of daily living.
We negotiated a six-figure settlement for Michelle. Michelle spoke to the BBC about the impact of the delay in diagnosis on her life.
Disclaimer
Whilst our case studies are designed to give an indication of the outcomes that can be achieved in these circumstances, the compensation awarded in individual cases can vary significantly due to a range of factors, including the severity of injury, effects on life expectancy and financial impact, for example. For more information, contact us today.
Our Approach
We will support you, guide you and be your voice throughout.
If you are concerned about the medical treatment that you or a loved one has received, please contact us and one of our specialist team will assist you.
