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Cauda Equina Syndrome Claims Specialists
Find out when cauda equina syndrome claims can be made and how one of our solicitors could make the process easier for you.
£85 million in compensation
Cauda Equina Syndrome Claims Specialists
Find out when cauda equina syndrome claims can be made and how one of our solicitors could make the process easier for you.
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Cauda equina syndrome (CES) occurs when the nerve roots at the base of the spine become compressed. This condition requires urgent decompression surgery to minimise the risk of a patient developing a permanent disability. When medical negligence delays the treatment you need, the effects are often severe. If you were avoidably harmed because of substandard care, such as a doctor negligently attributing CES symptoms to sciatica, you may be able to start the equina syndrome claims process.
Key Takeaways
- Between January 2008 and December 2018, NHS Resolution received 827 claims for incidents related to cauda equina syndrome
- Substandard care for CES can occur in both public and private medical settings, often involving neurosurgeons or orthopaedic surgeons, GPs, and A&E departments
- Negligent care can arise from surgical errors, the failure to diagnose clear indicators of CES like saddle anaesthesia, and birth injuries
- Patients may suffer paralysis, incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and weakness in the lower limbs
- Cauda equina compensation can cover the short-term and long-term financial effects of negligent care, such as reduced career prospects, rehabilitative support, and medical expenses
Our advisors understand that cauda equina syndrome can cause you a lot of stress, especially when a trusted medical professional has not given you the necessary care. Speak to them today to find out whether you have a case to pursue compensation with our support. You could find yourself one step closer towards getting compensation with the help of one of our experienced medical negligence solicitors.
- Make an online enquiry
- Call us direct on 0151 375 9916
Can I Claim Compensation For Cauda Equina Syndrome Negligence?
You can make a claim for cauda equina syndrome negligence if you can show that you were avoidably harmed by substandard care. The criteria for making a medical negligence claim can seem complex, so keep reading for more details on the requirements that need to be met.
A Medical Professional Owed You A Duty
From the moment you seek treatment, such as for persistent back pain or paresthesia, you are automatically owed a duty of care by the attending healthcare provider. This applies to doctors, neurosurgeons, orthopaedic specialists, and A&E triage staff, and requires them to provide you with the minimum standard of care expected of their profession. In cases of CES, there are various resources supporting medical professionals in following the suspected cauda equina syndrome pathway. These aim to assist healthcare providers in delivering effective diagnosis and care for patients presenting with CES symptoms.
There Was A Breach Of Duty
The second requirement for pursuing a claim is to show that the medical professional breached their duty by falling short of the required standard of care. This may occur if the healthcare provider dismisses severe back pain as nothing out of the ordinary, fails to refer a patient with suspected CES to a specialist spinal unit, or ignores major red flag symptoms like saddle anaesthesia. Breaches can also occur if surgeons use improper techniques or operate on the wrong spinal level during lumbar decompression surgery.
This Caused You Unnecessary Harm
Finally, you must be able to demonstrate that the breach of duty resulted in some form of avoidable harm. For instance, the failure to refer you to a specialist spinal unit may have delayed decompression surgery, resulting in permanent paralysis and sexual dysfunction. You can also pursue compensation for any unnecessary psychological harm you experienced, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
You may still be unsure whether you meet the criteria for making cauda equina syndrome claims. Our advisors understand that you may not have navigated the process before and are happy to answer any questions you have. If you have grounds to pursue compensation, they can connect you to one of our expert solicitors for No Win No Fee legal representation.
What Are Some Cauda Equina Syndrome Claims Examples?
Some examples of cauda equina syndrome claims include surgical errors made during decompression surgery, healthcare professionals dismissing bladder dysfunction or other red flag CES symptoms, or providing substandard obstetric care. Keep reading for more detailed examples of when medical negligence claims can be made:
- Misdiagnosis: You go to your GP and present with severe lower back pain and numbness in the groin, symptoms commonly associated with CES. The doctor dismisses these as typical sciatica and fails to check for other signs of cauda equina syndrome. They advise you to do some exercises to alleviate your symptoms. A week later, you are rushed into A&E for emergency decompression surgery. However, the delay leaves you with permanent sensory loss and long-lasting anxiety.
- Surgical errors: While having routine surgery for a herniated disc, a poor standard of care leads to you developing a blood clot that compresses the nerves. A lack of postoperative monitoring means the early signs of CES are also missed, resulting in you experiencing temporary incontinence and requiring further surgery.
- Obstetric care: You have a particularly difficult labour during which you exhibit signs of bladder incontinence and saddle anaesthesia. The attending midwife attributes this to the physical stress associated with a challenging labour and fails to act on these reported symptoms. This delay in diagnosis leads to you developing permanent incontinence and depression.
There are many other instances of negligent care that could cause or exacerbate CES. Get in touch with our advisors today to discuss your experience confidentially and check whether you could make a cauda equina compensation claim.
The Impacts Of Cauda Equina Being Left Untreated
Untreated cauda equina syndrome can lead to temporary or permanent incontinence, weakness in the legs, sexual dysfunction, and paralysis. This is because the nerves at the spinal base are essential for controlling motor, bladder, bowel, and sensory functions of the lower body. While physiotherapy can support recovery, CES can result in lifelong conditions that can adversely impact quality of life and the ability to carry out basic day-to-day activities.
The physical symptoms can also trigger significant psychological effects, particularly when mobility is restricted or there is a loss of independence. These effects can lead to depression and anxiety, which may be compounded if relationships or the ability to work have been affected.
You may be able to claim compensation for the long-term effects of negligent care. Speak with our advisors to confidentially discuss how CES has affected your quality of life.
How Much Cauda Equina Syndrome Medical Negligence Compensation Can I Get?
The amount of cauda equina syndrome medical negligence compensation you can get depends on the extent to which you have been physically, financially, and mentally impacted by avoidable harm. The starting point for compensation is general damages, which is the head of claim that covers the pain and suffering you experience.
General damages cover more than the physical and psychological effects of unnecessary harm. It can also factor in how your lifestyle and quality of life have been affected. This may include the impact of sexual dysfunction, reduced mobility, or incontinence on your relationships, independence, and ability to take part in activities.
To assess general damages, legal professionals can consult the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG). In this document, there are various compensation guideline brackets based on the type and severity of harm.
We have included some JCG figures in the table below, with the exception of the highest-valued entry. However, it is important to note that these have not been provided as a guarantee of compensation. This is because each claimant will have a unique experience of cauda equina negligence. For example, one claimant may have a more severe psychological reaction to their symptoms in comparison to someone else. Legal professionals tailor their assessment of compensation to reflect each individual’s experience.
| Type and Severity of Harm | Compensation Guideline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple forms of severe harm, causing financial losses | Up to £1,000,000+ | Multiple forms of severe harm with financial impacts such as private medical costs, payments for a professional carer and home adjustments |
| Paraplegia | £267,340 to £346,890 | Factors to consider include the claimant’s level of independence, age, sexual function and experience of pain |
| Back- severe (i) | £111,150 to £196,450 | Damage to the nerve roots and spinal cord with severe complications not common to back injuries |
| Back- severe (ii) | £90,510 to £107,910 | Issues related to such injuries include impaired mobility, impaired bowel/bladder functioning and sexual difficulties arising from damage to the nerve root |
| Back- severe (iii) | £47,320 to £85,100 | Fractures of the vertebral bodies, disc lesions or soft tissue damage resulting in chronic conditions |
| Back- moderate (i) | £33,880 to £47,320 | Residual disability resulting from harm, cush as compression of the lumbar vertebrae causing constant discomfort and pain |
| Bowels- total loss of function | Up to £183,190 | The person will require a colostomy, age dependent |
| Reproductive system male- sterility, lost sexual function and total impotence impacting a young person | £140,220 to £181,020 | Age, pain, scarring and psychological impact will be taken into account |
| Bladder- total loss of functioning | Up to £171,680 | The claimant will have completely lost control and function |
If you would like a more tailored discussion of what cauda equina syndrome compensation could cover, contact an advisor for a free case assessment. Speaking directly with a member of our team ensures the information is relevant to your situation.
We pride ourselves
on providing the best service
possible for our clients.
We pride ourselves on providing the best service possible for our clients.
Can Cauda Equina Claims Compensate For Special Damages?
Yes, cauda equina claims can compensate for special damages, allowing you to recover financial losses resulting from avoidable harm. This means that you may be able to recoup the cost of:
- Lost income due to time taken off work. If your future employment prospects are affected, this can also be taken into account
- Prescriptions and private medical care, such as MRI scans, specialist spinal surgery, and long-term physical therapy
- Fuel, taxi, or public transport expenses required to attend medical appointments
- Professional care or support from family members, as CES frequently limits mobility and makes it difficult to complete daily tasks
- Home adjustments, like having a wetroom or stairlift installed, to make it easier to navigate your home
When looking to claim special damages, you will be required to prove your costs. This is typically done by providing payslips, receipts, and bank statements.
Should you have any questions regarding the calculation of medical negligence compensation and how it could help with your recovery, don’t hesitate to make an enquiry with our advisors.
How Can I Make A Claim For Cauda Equina Negligence?
To make a claim for cauda equina negligence, you will need to gather evidence of the substandard care you received and show how this caused you unnecessary harm. It can be difficult to get to grips with the medical negligence claims process, so read this section for some key information.
Get Treatment For Your Cauda Equina Syndrome
CES requires urgent care, so you may need to go to A&E if you are experiencing symptoms, such as persistent issues with going to the toilet or numbness in the groin. The main treatment for cauda equina syndrome is decompression surgery to relieve the pressure on your nerves. Depending on how CES impacts you, you may require physiotherapy and support from mental health services over the long term.
Your health should always come first, but getting the medical care you need also creates an official record of your treatment and condition. Later on, you can request a copy of your medical records to support your cauda equina negligence claim and document the impact on your quality of life.
Begin Gathering Your Evidence
Strong cases depend on starting the process of collecting evidence as soon as you are able to. Common ways of proving cauda equina syndrome claims include giving:
- Contact details of those who saw the care you received. These accounts can include staff members willing to provide your solicitor with an eyewitness statement
- Any correspondence you have with the healthcare centre regarding the negligent care
- Copies of medical notes detailing when CES symptoms were first identified, neurological observations, MRI scan results, and the treatment you received
Make A Medical Negligence Report
While not a requirement for pursuing a compensation claim, there are various ways you can go about reporting substandard care. These include:
- Following the complaints procedure at the medical facility where you received treatment for CES
- Escalating to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
- Raising a concern with the General Medical Council
It is important that you keep copies of any written communications you have regarding your experience of CES negligence. This can provide further written evidence in support of a claim, if you pursue one.
Write Down Your Experience
Keeping your own notes can be useful for recalling events before they fade from memory. You may want to record:
- The progression of your CES symptoms, such as incontinence, numbness, sexual dysfunction, and impaired mobility
- How CES impacts your mental health, independence, and overall quality of life
- Time taken off work and any loss of income you have experienced
- Costs related to private surgeries, medications, rehabilitation services, and attending medical appointments
Cauda equina syndrome can impact various aspects of your day-to-day life. Therefore, your own record of events can provide meaningful insight into how negligent care has directly affected you over the long term.
Enquire With A Law Firm
If you are not familiar with medical negligence law, the prospect of claiming can seem intimidating. You can speak with one of our advisors to get an idea of:
- The criteria for cauda equina syndrome negligence claims, and whether you have a case to pursue compensation
- What medical negligence compensation covers and how it could support your recovery from CES
- The services that our solicitors offer to assist clients through the claims process
- How a No Win No Fee agreement works and its benefits for claimants
We offer free advice without any strings attached, so you can use this time to make general enquiries.
Think About When You Need To Claim
Generally, cauda equina syndrome claims need to be started within 3 years of the medical negligence. However, this time limit may apply at a later date if the negligence is not immediately apparent (i.e., on the ‘date of knowledge’). Exceptions may also apply, and our advisors would be happy to explain them to you.
If you have any questions about time limits or the evidence that you will need, get in touch today. Although there is a wealth of information available online, speaking directly with an expert is often the fastest way to get answers.
Making Cauda Equina Syndrome Claims With JF Law
When it comes to making cauda equina syndrome claims with JF Law, our solicitors are experts in supporting clients through the legal process. Keep reading to learn more about their excellent services and the No Win No Fee agreement they offer to claimants.
Why Claim For Cauda Equina With Our Expert Medical Negligence Solicitors
At JF Law, our solicitors have already secured more than £80 million in compensation for claimants so far. They work hard to ensure that claimants have the support they need. If you qualify to work with one of them, you can benefit from:
- Having an expert handle all communication on your behalf
- Guidance on the evidence you will need, and assistance with gathering copies of MRI scans and other documents
- Arguing for your compensation to cover all provable physical, psychological, and financial effects
- Organising an independent medical assessment to quantify the impact that substandard care had on the severity of your cauda equina syndrome
- Straightforward explanations of key legal concepts and what you need to do for each stage of the claim
Can Cauda Equina Medical Negligence Claims Be Made On A No Win No Fee Basis?
Yes, our solicitors help claimants to get compensation on a No Win No Fee basis. To proceed in this way, you will be asked to sign a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). In terms of how this would benefit you, there would be no need to pay service fees for your solicitor’s work at the following stages of the claim:
- Before the case begins
- As the cauda equina negligence claim progresses
- If you are not compensated
If your claim concludes successfully, you will need to pay your solicitor a percentage of the cauda equina compensation. This is their success fee, and a legal cap on the percentage ensures that you get the largest share of the compensation.
Contact JF Law To Begin
If you are looking to pursue compensation after your experience or simply want to learn more about cauda equina syndrome claims, reach out to an advisor today. They can further explain the work of our solicitors and provide more specific details about the claims process. It is important that you find the right solicitor for you, so feel free to simply enquire if you don’t feel ready to make any legally binding commitments.
- Make an online enquiry
- Call us direct on 0151 375 9916
Frequently Asked Questions
When it comes to making cauda equina syndrome claims, those affected often have questions about the condition and its effects. Keep reading to get some answers.
What Are The Symptoms Of Cauda Equina Syndrome?
The symptoms of cauda equina syndrome include sciatica on both sides, numbness around the genitals and in the legs, difficulties when urinating, and a loss of bladder or bowel control.
What Causes Cauda Equina To Develop?
Severe compression of the nerve roots in the lower back commonly causes cauda equina syndrome to develop. This compression can arise from ruptured discs, infections, and spinal stenosis.
How Should Cauda Equina Syndrome Be Diagnosed?
Cauda equina syndrome should be diagnosed by identifying key indicators of CES, such as persistent back pain and saddle anaesthesia. The primary means of diagnosing suspected CES is an MRI scan of the lumbar region, which should be performed urgently.
What Treatment Is Available For Cauda Equina Syndrome?
The primary treatment for cauda equina syndrome is surgery to relieve pressure on the nerves. You may also need physiotherapy to treat persistent issues with bladder or bowel function.
Is Cauda Equina Classed As A Permanent Disability?
Cauda equina syndrome can be classed as a permanent disability, as the condition may lead to paralysis, chronic neuropathic pain, and impaired bladder or bowel function.
Learn More
Read our guides using the links below:
- Visit our guide on anaesthesia negligence claims
- Find out about never event compensation
- Learn about claims for blood clot negligence
External resources:
- Follow the NHS information for cauda equina patients
- Check whether you could be entitled to financial support for a disability
- Visit the NHS webpage on their emergency care services
Thank you for reading our guide on cauda equina syndrome claims.
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