If you think you have been affected by nerve injury medical negligence, then please contact our team of caring professionals. Your claim will usually be on a no-win, no-fee basis – most cases do not reach court.
What are the symptoms of nerve injury?
Nerves are fibres that transmit sensations such as pain between the brain, the spinal cord and other areas of the body.
The spine and brain make up the central nervous system, and everything else is described as the peripheral nervous system. The focus of this page is on injuries to the peripheral nervous system. Information about brain injuries and injuries to the spine can be found on other pages.
Symptoms of peripheral nerve injury can be a reduced or increased sensation in the affected body part. When sensitivity is reduced the body part may feel numb, which increases the risk of further injury. When sensitivity is increased, it can lead to a feeling of pain.
Typical symptoms of nerve injury include:
- Pins and needles
- Numbness
- Hot or cold feeling in the affected area
- Burning or tingling sensation
- Shooting pain
Nerve injuries can also impair the functionality of the affected body parts. For example, if the nerve damage has affected the hands, it can reduce the victim’s ability to hold or lift objects. For some this can be frustrating, and for others it can be devastating.
How can medical negligence lead to nerve injury?
With certain operations there is an acknowledged risk of injury to the nervous system, which can unfortunately occur even when due care is taken.
When injuries to the nervous system are found to be caused by medical negligence, however, compensation can be sought.
Examples of negligence that can lead to nerve injury include:
- Direct damage to the nerve during an operation
- Inappropriate prescription of certain toxic drugs
- Delay in relieving the pressure on nerves either from bandages or in an operation
What will happen if I suffer nerve damage?
In the unfortunate event of a patient suffering nerve damage, tests will initially be required to measure the extent of the injury.
Unfortunately, there are no proven cures for such injuries, although symptoms may ease over time. Treatment can be provided to help reduce pain and discomfort.
Money can never truly compensate for nerve injury, but compensation can help you and your family come to terms with the problem.
In addition to compensation awarded for the effect of the injuries caused by negligence, patients can also recover the cost of any expenses. This may include the cost of any extra care that is needed, as well as the cost of private medical treatment.
If you or a family member is suffering with a nerve injury that you think may have been caused by medical negligence, contact our solicitors, who will be able to talk you through the process and help you bring a compensation claim.
