We get the latest specialist advice from JCP Solicitors, which has an office in Caerphilly. Nick O’Neill, Director in the Injury Services team at JCP Solicitors, who is based in the Caerphilly office, talks about delays to medical care.
My sister has had months of sciatica but the painkillers prescribed by the GP do not seem to be working. She is now experiencing bladder problems but is putting off going to the GP because of the pandemic. I am worried it could be Cauda Equina, what can I do?
Anyone with lower back pain accompanied with bladder retention or incontinence should immediately go to their GP or hospital for a physical examination. GPs are used to operating within the parameters of the pandemic and they have sound safety protocols in place. Some GPs offer a phone or a video consultation, but they may want to see your sister in person while maintaining extra hygiene standards. Without wanting to alarm you, I have seen a number of cases involving Cauda Equina Syndrome, which affects the group of nerves at the base of the spinal cord. Lower back pain is a frequent symptom, as is urine retention or incontinence, lower limb weakness or numbness and numbness to the genital area. Early and accurate diagnosis is vital to prevent further and long-lasting damage. The GP might send your sister for a scan, if only to rule this out.
Unfortunately, we are dealing with an increasing number of legal cases where a delay in diagnosis – or sometimes misdiagnosis – has led to more serious injury to a patient than otherwise would have been the case. Anyone who feels a delay or a misdiagnosis has caused them further injury or illness should seek tailored legal advice – it may be that compensation can be claimed to help meet any needs arising from the illness.
Claiming Compensation can be complex. It is vital to seek professional guidance. For information, contact: nick.oneill@jcpsolicitors.co.uk or 02920 860628.
The question posed is based upon a hypothetical situation. This content does not constitute legal advice and is provided for general information purposes only.
