The plaintiff, Zorida Chrysostom, brought a medical negligence action against the defendant physicians and health system, alleging failure to diagnose cauda equina syndrome during her emergency department visit.
The court found that two defendant physicians, Dr. Mann and Dr. Kempenaar, fell below the standard of care by failing to adequately inquire about and document saddle anaesthesia, a cardinal symptom of cauda equina syndrome.
The court also concluded, on a balance of probabilities, that the plaintiff did suffer from cauda equina syndrome at the time of the initial visit, which would have necessitated earlier emergency surgery and improved her outcome.
Damages were agreed upon, and the judgment focused on liability.
