Cauda Equina Syndrome claims are for medical negligence from a delay in diagnosing and treating Cauda Equina Syndrome and the damage it is causing.
The effects of Cauda Equina Syndrome are devastating for the sufferer and the window for treatment can be a matter of hours to get an MRI done and then list you for immediate decompression surgery.
If you go to your General Practitioner doctor or an A&E Doctor with chronic red flag symptoms, they should include Cauda Equina Syndrome in their investigations and suspected diagnosis. To miss the signs and leave your condition untreated is medical negligence.
Medical negligence in missing your Cauda Equina Syndrome diagnosis delays treatment and your chances of recovery.
You will suffer more pain, discomfort and other symptoms of Cauda Equina Syndrome that could have been avoided.
A No Win No Fee medical negligence solicitor will take your case and fight for your Cauda Equina Syndrome negligence compensation claim.
Table of content
What is Cauda Equina Syndrome?
Cauda Equina Syndrome is damage to the bundle of nerves at the end of the spine. The nerves known as the Cauda Equina spread like a horse’s tail from the bottom of the spine, controlling the bladder, bowel, legs and sexual organs.
When the Cauda Equina becomes compressed or damaged, it is the beginning of Cauda Equina Syndrome.
The pain can become almost unbearable, and the effects on the sufferer’s life can be devastating.
What are the causes of Cauda Equina Syndrome?
Cauda Equina Syndrome is a medical emergency and can lead to very valuable medical negligence claims based on the devastating impact a delay in diagnosis can have.
The Cauda Equina (Latin for “horse’s tail”) consists of the nerve roots that originate from the lower end of the spinal cord within the lower part of the spinal canal. These nerve roots emerge from the spinal column.
The typical features of Cauda Equina Syndrome are known as red flag symptoms.
A well trained medical professional when presented with a patient with one or more of these red flag symptoms for Cauda Equina Syndrome should consider whether there is spinal pathology such as a disc protrusion which is compressing the Cauda Equina and immediately arrange an MRI.
Red flag symptoms for Cauda Equina Syndrome include.
Recognising the condition in good time is crucial so that emergency decompression surgery can be performed.
Surgery may result in complete or partial recovery where there are persisting problems of leg weakness, incontinence, sexual dysfunction, saddle and perineal anaesthesia.
A medical negligence solicitor will file a Cauda Equina Syndrome negligence claim for you.
What are the types of Cauda Equina Syndrome?
The Cauda Equina may be compressed by a central prolapsed disc – it may occur where there is already a history of degenerative back disease and prolapsed disc.
How far advanced the compression and the damage it has caused to the Cauda Equina nerve roots will determine whether the Cauda Equina is incomplete or complete.
Cauda Equina Syndrome Incomplete
Cauda Equina incomplete is when the lesion on the nerves from the compression is incomplete or only part of the Cauda Equina is affected by the disc compressing it.
There is an opportunity to do a timely decompression in the hope that the urinary symptoms, sensation and motor issues may be reversed by timely surgical decompression of the Cauda Equina to prevent those symptoms getting worse.
Successful medical negligence claims for Cauda Equina Syndrome often occur when someone presents with an early onset of Cauda Equina Syndrome and an opportunity for diagnosis and surgical decompression is missed.
Such cases often occur when red flag symptoms are ignored and said to be sciatica and the window to act is missed.
Cauda Equina Syndrome Complete
Cauda Equina Syndrome complete is when the damage to the Cauda Equina nerve roots is irreversible.
The Cauda Equina has been compressed for so long that the nerve roots even when decompressed cannot recover meaning whatever symptoms there were before decompression surgery remain after the decompression surgery.
Such permanent symptoms may include urinary retention, disability, bowel problems and sexual dysfunction.
Medical Cauda Equina Symptoms
Cauda Equina Syndrome complete is when the damage to the Cauda Equina nerve roots is irreversible.
The Cauda Equina has been compressed for so long that the nerve roots even when decompressed cannot recover meaning whatever symptoms there were before decompression surgery remain after the decompression surgery.
Such permanent symptoms may include urinary retention, disability, bowel problems and sexual dysfunction.
What are the effects of Cauda Equina Syndrome?
Cauda Equina Syndrome will present with some or all of the effects the syndrome has on the body.
Well-known problems of Cauda Equina Syndrome are:
The symptoms above are known as red flag symptoms. They should alert a medical professional to the fact there is a medical emergency and a need for an MRI and decompression surgery.
Sadly the symptoms which are red flags which show that someone has Cauda Equina Syndrome are the symptoms someone can be left with for life should their red flag symptoms not be acted upon.
The window for intervention in suspected Cauda Equina Syndrome could be a matter of hours perhaps up to 24 hours which shows just how critical early intervention is.
How does Cauda Equina Syndrome negligence happen?
Cauda Equina Syndrome negligence happens by missing the symptoms and giving a misdiagnosis of the condition.
You should not have to suffer due to a doctor providing you with care below acceptable standards, leading to the effects of Cauda Equina Syndrome.
Examples of Cauda Equina Syndrome negligence are:
Diagnosing the syndrome from an MRI and immediate surgical decompression are the only solution to relieving the symptoms.
Missing the signs of Cauda Equina Syndrome claim
Missing the signs of Cauda Equina Syndrome by a GP or hospital doctor should not happen, but it does. When you present with one or more of the red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome a doctor should make a quick diagnosis.
If you have suffered one of the causes of Cauda Equina Syndrome and are showing the effects, a doctor doing their job properly will quickly spot the condition.
Misdiagnosis of the Cauda Equina Syndrome claim
Misdiagnosis of Cauda Equina Syndrome can happen if a doctor does not pay you full attention when you describe your symptoms.
Cauda Equina Syndrome can have some serious life changing effects.
Misdiagnosis only delays treatment and the precious window for intervention could be lost.
Lack of awareness at the hospital claim
Lack of awareness at the hospital when you are admitted will affect your long-term care and treatment. Hospital doctors should be fully aware of Cauda Equina Syndrome and be prepared to send you for surgery.
If the hospital cannot deal with your Cauda Equina Syndrome due to its size or facilities, they should refer you to a specialist unit for treatment.
Failing to refer you for scans and tests claim
Failing to refer you for scans and tests should never happen with Cauda Equina Syndrome. If you have the signs of the syndrome then a doctor should refer you immediately for an MRI scan.
Only by undergoing the correct scan or test can the hospital diagnose your condition correctly. Failing to refer you for one when you are suffering is medical negligence.
Low standards of surgery claim
Low standards of surgery, such as not correcting the problem or doing more damage to the lumbar area, will worsen your Cauda Equina Syndrome.
Poor surgery can make the effects of Cauda Equina Syndrome permanent. It can also require more surgery, causing you more stress and spending unnecessary time in hospital.
A Cauda Equina Syndrome claim for compensation takes into account everything that happened to you and gets you the money you deserve for further treatment and care.
Who is responsible for Cauda Equina Syndrome negligence?
A medical professional is responsible for your Cauda Equina Syndrome negligence.
When you visit your GP with any symptom of the cauda equina syndrome, they should refer you for further treatment and diagnosis at the hospital.
A hospital doctor or consultant should be able to diagnose your Cauda Equina Syndrome from your red flag symptoms confirmed by an MRI scan.
Failure by a doctor or consultant to recognise the Cauda Equina Syndrome from looking at what happened to you, and the symptoms you are experiencing, is medical negligence.
What is a Cauda Equina Syndrome claim for compensation?
A Cauda Equina Syndrome claim for compensation is when you suffer Cauda Equina Syndrome negligence by a doctor.
Medical negligence is medical care below acceptable standards. It is medical treatment from a medical professional that no other doctor or nurse working in a professional manner would provide.
If the doctor does not diagnose your Cauda Equina Syndrome, you will have years of unnecessary suffering and discomfort.
The doctor should recognise the symptoms of Cauda Equina. When they do not and fail to carry out the necessary tests and procedures, it is Cauda Syndrome negligence.
A Cauda Equina Syndrome negligence claim for compensation will get you the money you deserve for the suffering and any necessary medical treatment.
How do I make a Cauda Equina Syndrome negligence claim?
You make a Cauda Equina Syndrome negligence claim by contacting a No Win No Fee medical negligence solicitor.
Your No Win No Fee medical negligence solicitor explains the full process of claiming compensation and how you claim for two types of damages: General Damages and Special Damages.
General damages
General damages are when you sue for the pain, suffering and the loss of amenity, PSLA, you have experienced due to negligence.
Special damages
Special damages include loss of earnings, future care costs, and out-of-pocket expenses.
Be sure to keep payslips, receipts and proof of any losses you experience as a result of the medical negligence.
You deserve compensation to cover all losses, including loss of life, medical costs and any long-term care needs.
When you or a loved one suffers from the effects of Cauda Equina Syndrome negligence, you make a claim for compensation.
Your No Win No Fee solicitor will guide you through the steps in making a Cauda Equina Syndrome negligence claim.
The steps involved when suing for Cauda Equina Syndrome negligence
The steps involved when making a claim for Cauda Equina Syndrome negligence are a part of any successful compensation claim.
When you follow them correctly and get all the facts and figures together, your medical negligence solicitor will do the rest.
Step 1: Seek medical advice
Seek medical advice on the injuries you have suffered or are suffering with immediately you realise you experienced Cauda Equina Syndrome negligence.
Step 2: Contact a specialist medical negligence solicitor
Contact a specialist medical negligence solicitor who operates on a No Win No Fee basis and tell them what went wrong. The right solicitor will look at your case, see where the problem lies, and advise if you suffered Cauda Equina Syndrome negligence.
The Medical Negligence Team also have a 100% Compensation Guarantee scheme, where you get all the money awarded in a negligence claim.
You are the one who suffered medical negligence, and you should get all the money due for the suffering.
Step 3: Your medical negligence solicitor obtains your medical records
Your medical negligence solicitor obtains your medical records with your permission. By reading your records, they will confirm if they think you have a valid medical negligence case.
The medical negligence team will know from reading your medical records if the case will result in Cauda Equina Syndrome negligence compensation being paid.
Step 4: The medical negligence solicitor sending a letter of claim to the negligent party
The medical negligence solicitor sending a letter of claim to the negligent party is the next step. The letter will ask them to admit medical negligence in what is known as ‘sending a letter of claim.’
When the negligent party receives the letter of claim, it has up to four months to provide a written response.
Step 5: Getting a response from the negligent party’s insurer
Getting a response from the negligent party’s insurer will move your compensation claim closer to a conclusion.
The insurer will either admit the medical negligence or say they intend to defend the case. Deciding to defend the case is known as ‘deny liability’ in legal terms.
If they admit liability, your Cauda Equina Syndrome negligence claim can be valued.
The two parties will meet to decide on your medical negligence compensation payment.
Your solicitor will negotiate with the negligent party and use their experience to get the compensation you deserve.
Step 6: Issuing court proceedings
Issuing court proceedings is the next step if they deny liability in your medical negligence case. Going to court happens, too, when they are not prepared to pay a fair amount for the injuries you have suffered.
Your medical negligence solicitor issues the court proceedings.
Remember that less than 1% of medical negligence cases go to trial.
Our Process
Our team members have a higher career win rate with a 75% success rate on NHS letters of claim, compared to an industry average of 54.5%.
Enquiry
The first step is to get in touch and tell us what went wrong. It’s free and easy. Call our 24-hour helpline: 0800 246 1122 or request a callback here.
Medical Evaluation
Once you have spoken with our team we’ll let you know how we can help. Typically the next step is to obtain your medical records for us to review.
Legal Letter
Once all your medical records have been received they will be reviewed by a medically & legally qualified member of our team. If there is evidence of medical negligence we will send a letter of claim to the negligent party outlining your medical negligence claim.
Using a No Win No Fee solicitor
Using a No Win No Fee solicitor is the only way to a successful Cauda Equina Syndrome negligence claim. Your No Win No Fee medical negligence solicitor will not charge you for a claim you do not win.
Always have a fee agreement in place before engaging a medical negligence solicitor. If they start talking of a ‘win fee’ or a ‘success fee,’ you should walk away. The negligent party insurers should pay all fees meaning you should get 100% compensation.
The medical negligence solicitor should also operate a 100% Compensation Guarantee scheme. When you win the case, all the money awarded should go to you, not the solicitor.
You are the one who suffered Cauda Equina Syndrome negligence, and you deserve the compensation to get your life back to normal.
How long do I have to make a claim for Cauda Equina Syndrome negligence?
You have three years to make a claim for Cauda Equina Syndrome negligence. All medical negligence claims are subject to limitation periods.
For example, in England and Wales, medical negligence claims must generally be brought, court proceedings issued within three years of the injury, or three years of knowledge of the facts giving rise to the claim.
If someone has passed away, it is the date of death if the limitation period has not expired at the date of death.
Children not under a disability typically have until they reach 21 to start a surgical negligence claim or court proceedings.
Persons under a disability, who lack capacity, are not subject to any limitation period.
Contact The Medical Negligence Team
Contact the Medical Negligence Team today to discuss your Cauda Equina Syndrome negligence claim for compensation. We have both the legal and medical experts to guide you along the steps to a successful medical negligence claim for compensation.
At the Medical Negligence Team, we fight every compensation claim on a No Win No Fee basis. You will not be out of pocket for an unsuccessful claim.
We have a very high success rate and a reputation for a speedy and successful resolution to all medical negligence cases.
Our 100% Compensation Guarantee puts all the money you win into your pocket. You or your loved one suffered Cauda Equina Syndrome negligence, and you deserve every penny of the compensation.
Contact us at the Medical Negligence Team for all your medical negligence needs.
