Surgeon Has Delayed Diagnosis of CES
Introduction
A surgeon suffered Cauda Equina Syndrome following a delay in referral by the hospital to a specialist spinal unit and a further delay in performing decompression surgery. Unlike many Cauda Equina sufferers, he had no long-term previous history of back problems prior to developing his condition. His condition came on suddenly.
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.
The injury
Our client, a surgeon, had significant loss of power in his legs and severe neurological pain. He had bowel urgency but retained normal urinary function. He required a wheelchair and crutches. He required extensive personal care in relation to household tasks, specialist aids and equipment and single storey accommodation. He was unable to return to work.
A claim for the negligent delay in transfer to the specialist unit and delay in emergency surgery was pursued.
MDS Medical Law Are 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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What happened to our client?
On 7 March, A began to develop low back pain which became progressively worse, and he developed numbness in his right quad. He took painkillers and used a stick to help him walk as he was unable to support his own weight.
On 11 March at 13:30 his legs suddenly gave-way. A had weakness in both legs and numbness in his right thigh and back pain. A was taken by ambulance to the Emergency Department of Chesterfield Royal Hospital, arriving at 16:36.
A was seen at 18:10 by an orthopaedic registrar. He had reduced power in the hips and knees and reduced sensation in his right leg. He had normal anal tone and no saddle anaesthesia.
A was advised he simply had back pain with acute neurological deficit. A was advised that he had no clinical signs of Cauda Equine Syndrome. Significantly, A was referred for an X-ray and not an MRI scan, to exclude compression of the spinal cord.
On 12 March, by 08:00 A noted that the loss of sensation in his right leg had got worse and now both legs were weaker. A was transferred to a specialist spinal injury unit. However, he did not have an MRI scan until 18:50. The MRI report confirmed nerve root compression at the L2-L3 level of the spine.
Overnight A’s condition deteriorated further, and he went into urinary retention and required catheterisation.
On 13 March at 15:10, A underwent lumbar decompression surgery.
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.
