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Cauda Equina Syndrome Compensation Claims

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Forbes Solicitors is a renowned law firm that provides expert legal guidance to individuals who have suffered from cauda equina syndrome as a result of medical negligence. Our solicitors who specialise in cauda equina syndrome claims have an in-depth understanding of the complex issues surrounding this condition, including misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, and surgical errors. Our cauda equina syndrome claims lawyers are committed to holding medical professionals accountable for their actions and to securing fair compensation for our clients.

We provide a comprehensive range of legal services to help individuals and their families navigate the complexities of cauda equina syndrome claims, ensuring that their rights and interests are protected. With our unparalleled expertise and experience in this area of law, we provide our clients with the best possible representation and guidance throughout the claims process.

What is Cauda Equina Syndrome?

Cauda equina syndrome is a rare but serious neurological condition caused by compression of the nerve roots located at the lower end of the spinal canal. Symptoms include pain, weakness and/or numbness in the lower body, loss of bowel and bladder control, and sexual dysfunction. It requires urgent medical attention.

What is a Cauda Equina Syndrome Claim?

A cauda equina syndrome claim is a legal action taken when an individual has suffered permanent damage due to the medical negligence of a doctor or medical institution. This can include paralysis, bladder and bowel incontinence, and other long-term symptoms.

A rare condition, cauda equina syndrome is a serious medical emergency that needs swift treatment to reduce the risk of serious complications such as paralysis or permanent incontinence. If your doctor or other medical professionals do not treat the condition correctly and you suffer harm and loss due to this negligence, then you may be entitled to compensation.

We all know that medical professionals work hard but unfortunately sometimes mistakes are made, and these can have life-changing consequences. At Forbes, our expert clinical negligence solicitors can help you if you have suffered due to medical negligence; we will listen to your story and if we think you have a claim, we will be with you every step of the way. Contact our clinical negligence lawyers today on 0800 037 4625.

In most cases, we work on a no win no fee basis and we are proud to be one of the few legal firms in northern England to offer Legal Aid, also known as Legal Service Commission Funding.

What is cauda equina syndrome?

The NHS describes Cauda equina syndrome is when the nerves in the spine, known as cauda equina, become severely compressed. It is a rare and severe type of spinal stenosis and can come on very suddenly. If you are diagnosed with cauda equina syndrome you will need to go to hospital straight away and possibly have emergency surgery. If you are misdiagnosed or you are not treated fast enough you may end up suffering from permanent paralysis or incontinence.

Cauda equina syndrome is a condition that can progress quickly and if your GP, A&E doctors or your chiropractor do not recognise the symptoms or misdiagnose you, then you may be able to claim cauda equina syndrome compensation.

The symptoms of cauda equina syndrome can include:

Severe weakness or numbness in both legs that may get worse
Sciatica on both sides
Numbness around your genitals or anus
Finding it difficult to control your bladder and bowel function and this is not normal for you

Cauda equina is Latin for 'horse's tail' and refers to spinal nerves that supply the pelvic organs and the lower limbs such as hips, knees, ankles and feet with energy. They are called cauda equina as they resemble a horse's tail.

Cauda equina syndrome causes

One of the most common causes of cauda equina syndrome is from a herniated disc (also known as a slipped or ruptured disc). This can happen in several ways:

Lower back trauma (e.g. an accident, gunshots and falls)
Spinal tumours
Birth abnormalities
Spinal malformations
Spinal haemorrhages
Lower back surgery such as lumbar decompression surgery complications
Spinal anaesthesia

It can be difficult to diagnose cauda equina syndrome as is does mimic other conditions, however, the medical professionals should know how to spot this severe condition and ensure you have the best care possible.

Cauda equina syndrome treatment

When cauda equina syndrome is diagnosed, speed is essential. Generally, emergency surgery is required to ease the pressure on the cauda equina spinal nerves.

Long term effects cauda equina syndrome

Depending on how swift and effective the treatment of cauda equina is you may suffer from:

Loss of bladder and bowel control
Suffer severe pain
Motor weakness
Sensory loss
Sexual dysfunction

Even with swift and effective treatment, it may take time to get the control of your bladder and bowel back to normal and you may have to undergo rehabilitation to recover motor strength. While recovery can take many months, it can be possible to have a good quality of life after suffering from cauda equina syndrome.

However, if you were misdiagnosed or your treatment was delayed, it is not always possible to recover these functions. If you have suffered harm or loss due to medical malpractice, then you may be able to claim compensation.

Our expert clinical negligence solicitors will help you gather the evidence you need to build a case and ensure that you are seen by an independent medical expert who will help us determine your likely prognosis and future treatment. If you or a loved one has suffered due to a late or misdiagnosis of cauda equina syndrome, then contact our compassionate medical negligence team today on 0800 037 4625.

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Cauda equina syndrome FAQs

How much compensation will I get for cauda equina syndrome?

How much compensation you will get for a cauda equina syndrome case will depend on several factors including:

The severity of your injury and the suffering it has caused
What treatment is needed
The level of care you will need now and in the future
Whether or not you need to make adaptations to your home or vehicle
Loss of earnings and other expenses
Loss of enjoyment

Anyone making a clinical negligence claim will need to see an independent medical expert. They will assess the severity of the condition and will outline what your future treatment should be. We use the above factors and the independent medical expert findings to decide on the level of compensation we will ask for.

Cauda equina syndrome can be life-altering and claiming compensation may mean you have the opportunity to have a better quality of life and help pay for:

Private medical treatment
Rehabilitation that may not be available on the NHS
Adaptation to your home
Therapy
Transport

How long do I have to claim compensation for cauda equina syndrome complications due to medical negligence?

As with all medical negligence claims, you will have three years from the date of knowledge of the condition to start your claim. There are exceptions to this that relate to children and those who lack the mental capacity, however, in most cases you have three years to bring your claim. Medical negligence claims can be complicated and having an experienced solicitor on your side will help you get the best outcome for your situation.

Our clinical negligence solicitors will listen to your story and if they think you have a case, then we will help with every stop of the process - from gathering evidence to, if needed, representing you in court and ensuring you get the compensation your situation deserves. Very few medical negligence cases end up in court, so it is highly unlikely that your case will end up in front of a judge, and if it does, we will be there to support you every step of the way. Contact us on 0800 037 4625 and start your cauda equina syndrome compensation claim today.

Need more help?

Get in touch to see how our experts could help you.

0800 037 4625

Request a call back

Send us an email

Claim online now

Video length: 4m 41s

Leonie Millard, a Partner in our Clinical Negligence department and Anthony Burns from Ecovery discuss commonly asked questions on Cauda Equina Syndrome.