Cauda equina syndrome claims

Solicitors specialising in cauda equina medical negligence

Cauda equina syndrome is a potentially devastating spinal injury which occurs when the nerves at the base of the spinal cord are compressed. If you or a loved one was misdiagnosed or diagnosed too late by a doctor or GP, you could be entitled to compensation.

While no amount of money can make up for the long-term impacts of cauda equina syndrome, claiming compensation can help pay for any significant and lifelong care needs you may have. Call 0800 361 8892 or get in touch online to discuss your claim with one of our expert medical negligence solicitors today.

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Making a cauda equina compensation claim

This type of medical negligence claim most commonly arises when a GP or hospital fails to diagnose your cauda equina symptoms, which then delays performing the crucial surgery to urgently relieve the pressure on your nerves and prevent or reduce the risk of permanent damage.

As a general rule, if surgery is undertaken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms, permanent damage can usually be avoided. This means that timings are often extremely tight and cauda equina claims can often fail. But sadly, even with prompt treatment of cauda equina syndrome, you can still be left with lifelong injuries and care requirements.

If a delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis left you with life-changing damage that you might have otherwise recovered from, you may be entitled to cauda equina compensation.

What are the consequences of a delayed diagnosis of cauda equina?

Failing to diagnose and promptly treat cauda equina can result in severe injury and permanent damage, including:

Paralysis of the legs
Loss of bladder and bowel function
Loss of sexual function

As medical negligence solicitors, we have dealt with many claims where lasting injury could have been avoided with prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Why choose us for your cauda equina claim?

Dedicated spinal injury solicitors accredited by The Law Society and AvMA’s medical negligence panels.
Access to a network of clinical specialists to thoroughly evaluate your claim and ensure you get the maximum compensation you’re due.
Medical negligence partner oversight of your claim to ensure you receive the highest standard of legal advice.
Support throughout your claim to make the process as straightforward as possible for you and your loved ones.
Cross-discipline legal expertise within our firm, so we can advise you on any additional legal matters you have beyond your cauda equina claim.

Start your cauda equina syndrome claim today

If you’re just taking the first steps to making a claim for cauda equina compensation, it can feel like you’re starting a daunting process at what’s already a distressing time.

Our experienced and supportive medical negligence solicitors can discuss your claim with you and give expert advice on how to proceed. Please get in touch online or call 0800 316 8892 to arrange a free initial consultation with no obligation to go any further.

Cauda equina syndrome – your questions answered

What can cause cauda equina syndrome?

Cauda equina syndrome happens when the bundle of nerves at the base of the spine – the “cauda equina” – gets compressed or damaged. This can be caused by:

Herniated lumbar disc
Spinal tumours and haematomas
Spinal stenosis due to conditions like spondylosis or osteoarthritis
Severe injury or trauma to the lower back or spine, such as a car accident or a fall
Infections like spinal or epidural abscesses
Inflammatory conditions like ankylosing spondylitis and other autoimmune disorders
Surgical complications or medical procedures involving the spine
A congenital abnormality of the spine or birth defect

What are the symptoms of cauda equina syndrome?

There are some well-known ‘red flags’ which indicate that you may be developing cauda equina syndrome. The condition can either develop acutely, where symptoms come on within 24 hours, or it can develop more gradually. Typical symptoms include:

Problems urinating – including an inability to urinate, loss of sensation, change in flow, or loss of control of the urge to urinate
“Saddle anaesthesia” – numbness or a change in sensation around the groin, buttocks, genitals, or inner thighs
Leg weakness or pain in one or both legs
Loss of sexual function
Bowel disturbance – either incontinence or a loss of sensation

Why is cauda equina syndrome sometimes missed or misdiagnosed?

As medical negligence solicitors, we deal with many occasions where lasting injury could have been avoided with prompt diagnosis and treatment. This statistic could be improved through greater public awareness of the condition so that medical help is sought more quickly by those affected.

However, there is also a clear need for those involved in providing medical treatment to patients to be more aware of the early signs to ensure immediate investigation and treatment takes place.

The Spinal Injuries Association has further information on the causes and symptoms of CES.

Contact a medical negligence solicitor today

If you believe you may have grounds to claim cauda equina compensation, please call 0800 316 8892 or get in touch online to arrange your free no-obligation consultation with a specialist medical negligence solicitor.

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Your key contact

Marguarita Tyne

Head of Personal Injury & Medical Negligence

Bristol

Marguarita Tyne is a claimant clinical negligence solicitor who investigates and brings claims on behalf of patients who have been injured during the course of their medical treatment, acting mainly (but not exclusively) for brain injury claimants in high value and often complex litigation.

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Kerry Fifield

Partner and Clinical Negligence Team Manager