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Cauda equina syndrome claims

Our specialist cauda equina claims solicitors secure life-changing compensation settlements to provide care, therapies, adapted accommodation, equipment and financial support for people with cauda equina syndrome (CES) disability caused by medical negligence.

Cauda equina nerve root compression is a medical emergency which requires urgent surgical decompression to prevent spinal cord injury and permanent disability from cauda equina syndrome (CES).

Patients who suffer cauda equina syndrome (CES) as a result of a doctor’s failure to recognise red flag symptoms of the condition, or delayed referral for neurosurgical review, MRI scan and decompression surgery, can make a cauda equina syndrome claim for compensation.

Get in touch with our experienced medical negligence solicitors - we can help.

Starting cauda equina syndrome claim

For more than 30 years, Boyes Turner's medical negligence solicitors have guided injured patients through the claims process to secure the compensation and specialist support that they need to manage their disability and rebuild their lives.

You can find about more about making a claim by contacting us by telephone or by email for free, confidential advice from a medical negligence solicitor.

We will ask you to tell us briefly about your medical care and your CES injury and disability.   We understand that at first you might find it difficult to discuss the deeply personal aspects of CES injury, but we would reassure you that our solicitors are experienced at supporting people through this process and putting our clients at ease.

We will advise you about your time limits and whether we can help you investigate your claim. Once our investigations confirm you have grounds for a claim, we will notify the defendant healthcare provider (usually represented by NHS Resolution) on your behalf and invite them to respond, giving them an opportunity to admit liability (responsibility for your injuries) before court proceedings are issued.

If liability is admitted, we will obtain a judgment from the court and apply for a substantial interim payment to meet your needs arising from your injury and disability. If the healthcare provider or their legal representatives at NHS Resolution deny liability, we will advise you about the best way to proceed your claim. This may involve issuing court proceedings or inviting NHS Resolution to enter into settlement negotiations or mediation.

Jayne's Story
Jayne received £400,000 in compensation through a Cauda Equina Syndrome claim.
Watch the video
5min 10sec
Watch the video
5min 10sec

Jayne began experiencing worsening back pain, and couldn’t tolerate sitting down. The pain extended from her back into her left leg and foot and Jayne was unable to walk properly. She had difficulty coping with the pain at work.

Jayne didn't know she had cauda equina syndrome, but following a series of failures to diagnose her condition she made a claim for medical negligence compensation which led to a £400,000 settlement.

“The compensation was amazing, and the final hurdle, but the hospital to admit fault, that was the icing on the cake. That was the best feeling ever.”

Our cauda equina syndrome cases

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What our clients say

"Great work all round."

Working With Ben was very easy. He kept us well informed of what and how everything was working. He explained lots of legal jargon and was very sympathetic and sensitive to me and the situation. Reaching a resolution relatively quickly given the circumstances.

Malcolm

"Cauda equina settlement"

Julie marsh and her team have made a very distressing and stressful process much less pain less she has explained every part of the process in way that I can understand and not just in legal speak I can’t rate all of them highly enough

Boyes Turner Client

"Great law firm"

Totally recommend Ben who dealt with our case. He was very professional but also very approachable and his communication was excellent. He always got back to us with our many questions and never made us feel like we were wasting his time. I would really recommend this law firm.

Catherine

"I thoroughly recommend Boyes Turner"

I thoroughly recommend Boyes Turner. I cannot thank them enough for the effort they have put in for my son and our family. From the outset Richard and his team have been straightforward, knowledgeable, patient and considerate and throughout the whole process have had my son's best interests at heart. 

Boyes Turner Client

"Amazing support"

Fran has been an amazing support through a very difficult time for me and my family. Always available to speak and kept me in the loop with anything happening, she has been so kind, and I thank her so much for helping and getting my mum the justice she deserved.

Ms Alison

Cauda equina syndrome claims FAQs

What is cauda equina syndrome?

Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a rare but serious neurological condition caused by compression of the nerves in the spinal column. ‘Cauda equina’ is Latin for ‘horse’s tail’ and describes how the cauda equina nerve roots at the base of the spinal cord emerge from the holes between the vertebrae (bones in the spine) and fan out into a bundle of fibres - like a horse’s tail.

The cauda equina nerves control the legs and feet and give sensation and control to the bladder, bowel, anal and genital areas. Cauda equina syndrome or CES occurs when these nerve roots are compressed, such as by a slipped disc, inflammation or physical trauma.

Compression of the cauda equina nerves is a medical emergency. Patients who are experiencing CES symptoms require urgent decompression surgery to relieve the pressure on the cauda equina nerves. Delays in diagnosis, referral for neurosurgical review and MRI scan, or surgery can result in permanent and devastating disability from cauda equina syndrome.

What causes cauda equina syndrome?

Cauda equina syndrome or CES is caused by compression of the cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine. The cauda equina nerve root compression can be caused by:

  • slipped disc (disc prolapse);
  • physical trauma or injury to the lower back area;
  • tumours;
  • infection and inflammation;
  • complications from spinal surgery;
  • conditions affecting the spine, such as spina bifida or spinal stenosis (narrowing).

If the warning or ‘red flag’ signs of cauda equina syndrome are recognised and the pressure is relieved quickly by urgent surgery, the nerves should recover without causing permanent disability.

What are the symptoms of cauda equina syndrome?

Symptoms of cauda equina syndrome or CES are sometimes known as ‘red flags’ and may include one or more of the following:

  • lower back pain;
  • radiating pain;
  • numbness, weakness or pain in the legs;
  • loss of sensation in the buttock and perineal region;
  • reduced anal tone;
  • sexual dysfunction or loss of sensation;
  • bladder dysfunction, such as difficulty passing urine, poor stream or loss of sensation.

Cauda equina syndrome can be difficult to diagnose because some symptoms may not be present, or may be experienced in varying degrees and over different timescales.

Cauda equina syndrome is a rare condition, but it is also one of the most common types of negligence claims against GPs. Doctors must be alert to red flag symptoms and act quickly to ensure patients with suspected CES receive urgent MRI scans, specialist neurosurgical review and surgical treatment.

What medical mistakes can lead to a cauda equina negligence claim?

Mistakes and delays at any stage in the patient’s treatment along the  ‘CES pathway’ can result in permanent disability and loss of function. CES compensation claims often involve negligent delay or failure by GPs, but can arise from negligent care by the ambulance service, or hospital radiologists, neurosurgeons or doctors in accident and emergency departments (A&E).

Common delay errors which lead to CES disability and medical negligence claims include delays in:

  • recognising CES red flag warning signs and symptoms;
  • referring the patient to a neurosurgical or orthopaedic specialist for advice;
  • referring or transferring the patient to the hospital as an emergency;
  • carrying out an MRI scan;
  • performing emergency surgical decompression to relieve the pressure on the nerves.

Common GP errors which lead to CES disability and medical negligence claims include:

  • failing to listen to the patient’s description of their symptoms;
  • failing to question the patient carefully about their symptoms;
  • failing to examine the patient properly;
  • failing to identify or rule out “red flag” symptoms of cauda equina syndrome;
  • misdiagnosing backpain without checking for CES symptoms;
  • failing to arrange urgent neurosurgical review and treatment for a patient with CES red flag symptoms;
  • failing to provide safety-netting advice to a patient with back pain about the importance of seeking urgent medical help if they develop CES symptoms.

Common hospital errors which lead to CES disability and medical negligence claims include:

  • delays in neurosurgical review, MRI scans and decompression surgery;
  • misinterpretation of MRI scans;
  • negligent cauda equina decompression surgery;
  • failure to recognise and treat post-operative complications.

Cauda equina syndrome claims can also arising from disability caused by NHS system errors, such as out-of-hours shortages of available MRI scanning facilities or staff, such as neurosurgeons and radiologists.

What injuries can lead to cauda equina syndrome medical negligence claims?

Cauda equina syndrome can affect any of the lower body functions that are controlled or given sensation by the cauda equina nerves. This means that many people with CES find that it affects their bowel, bladder and sexual function, physical sensation around the genital, perineal and anal region, as well as strength and movement of the lower limbs.

We have recovered substantial compensation for clients whose CES treatment was negligently delayed, leading to permanent disability, including:

  • impaired mobility;
  • paralysis;
  • pain and numbness;
  • impaired bowel and bladder function and incontinence;
  • sexual dysfunction;
  • psychological injury.

How much compensation can I claim for cauda equina syndrome?

Each client’s CES compensation settlement is carefully valued to reflect their individual injury and the needs that arise from their disability.  We work closely with our clients and a team of trusted experts to understand the impact that the injury has had on our client’s life.

Most of our clients find that their CES disability reduces their independence and ability to carry out daily activities at home and at work. Whilst compensation cannot undo the injury, it can pay for solutions and support to ease the day-to-day difficulties faced by people who have been injured by CES. A successful claim can also replace lost income, providing the  financial security and peace of mind that comes with knowing that their ongoing needs will be met.

Our cauda equina syndrome solicitors have helped clients with CES recover compensation including:

  • pain, suffering and disability;
  • loss of earnings and pension;
  • care and home help;
  • therapies, such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy;
  • specialist equipment, such as wheelchairs and adapted vehicles;
  • home adaptations, to improve accessibility, accommodate carers or specialist equipment;
  • private medical costs;
  • psychological counselling.
 

What is cauda equina syndrome?

Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a rare but serious neurological condition caused by compression of the nerves in the spinal column. ‘Cauda equina’ is Latin for ‘horse’s tail’ and describes how the cauda equina nerve roots at the base of the spinal cord emerge from the holes between the vertebrae (bones in the spine) and fan out into a bundle of fibres - like a horse’s tail.

The cauda equina nerves control the legs and feet and give sensation and control to the bladder, bowel, anal and genital areas. Cauda equina syndrome or CES occurs when these nerve roots are compressed, such as by a slipped disc, inflammation or physical trauma.

Compression of the cauda equina nerves is a medical emergency. Patients who are experiencing CES symptoms require urgent decompression surgery to relieve the pressure on the cauda equina nerves. Delays in diagnosis, referral for neurosurgical review and MRI scan, or surgery can result in permanent and devastating disability from cauda equina syndrome.

What causes cauda equina syndrome?

Cauda equina syndrome or CES is caused by compression of the cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine. The cauda equina nerve root compression can be caused by:

  • slipped disc (disc prolapse);
  • physical trauma or injury to the lower back area;
  • tumours;
  • infection and inflammation;
  • complications from spinal surgery;
  • conditions affecting the spine, such as spina bifida or spinal stenosis (narrowing).

If the warning or ‘red flag’ signs of cauda equina syndrome are recognised and the pressure is relieved quickly by urgent surgery, the nerves should recover without causing permanent disability.

What are the symptoms of cauda equina syndrome?

Symptoms of cauda equina syndrome or CES are sometimes known as ‘red flags’ and may include one or more of the following:

  • lower back pain;
  • radiating pain;
  • numbness, weakness or pain in the legs;
  • loss of sensation in the buttock and perineal region;
  • reduced anal tone;
  • sexual dysfunction or loss of sensation;
  • bladder dysfunction, such as difficulty passing urine, poor stream or loss of sensation.

Cauda equina syndrome can be difficult to diagnose because some symptoms may not be present, or may be experienced in varying degrees and over different timescales.

Cauda equina syndrome is a rare condition, but it is also one of the most common types of negligence claims against GPs. Doctors must be alert to red flag symptoms and act quickly to ensure patients with suspected CES receive urgent MRI scans, specialist neurosurgical review and surgical treatment.

What medical mistakes can lead to a cauda equina negligence claim?

Mistakes and delays at any stage in the patient’s treatment along the  ‘CES pathway’ can result in permanent disability and loss of function. CES compensation claims often involve negligent delay or failure by GPs, but can arise from negligent care by the ambulance service, or hospital radiologists, neurosurgeons or doctors in accident and emergency departments (A&E).

Common delay errors which lead to CES disability and medical negligence claims include delays in:

  • recognising CES red flag warning signs and symptoms;
  • referring the patient to a neurosurgical or orthopaedic specialist for advice;
  • referring or transferring the patient to the hospital as an emergency;
  • carrying out an MRI scan;
  • performing emergency surgical decompression to relieve the pressure on the nerves.

Common GP errors which lead to CES disability and medical negligence claims include:

  • failing to listen to the patient’s description of their symptoms;
  • failing to question the patient carefully about their symptoms;
  • failing to examine the patient properly;
  • failing to identify or rule out “red flag” symptoms of cauda equina syndrome;
  • misdiagnosing backpain without checking for CES symptoms;
  • failing to arrange urgent neurosurgical review and treatment for a patient with CES red flag symptoms;
  • failing to provide safety-netting advice to a patient with back pain about the importance of seeking urgent medical help if they develop CES symptoms.

Common hospital errors which lead to CES disability and medical negligence claims include:

  • delays in neurosurgical review, MRI scans and decompression surgery;
  • misinterpretation of MRI scans;
  • negligent cauda equina decompression surgery;
  • failure to recognise and treat post-operative complications.

Cauda equina syndrome claims can also arising from disability caused by NHS system errors, such as out-of-hours shortages of available MRI scanning facilities or staff, such as neurosurgeons and radiologists.

What injuries can lead to cauda equina syndrome medical negligence claims?

Cauda equina syndrome can affect any of the lower body functions that are controlled or given sensation by the cauda equina nerves. This means that many people with CES find that it affects their bowel, bladder and sexual function, physical sensation around the genital, perineal and anal region, as well as strength and movement of the lower limbs.

We have recovered substantial compensation for clients whose CES treatment was negligently delayed, leading to permanent disability, including:

  • impaired mobility;
  • paralysis;
  • pain and numbness;
  • impaired bowel and bladder function and incontinence;
  • sexual dysfunction;
  • psychological injury.

How much compensation can I claim for cauda equina syndrome?

Each client’s CES compensation settlement is carefully valued to reflect their individual injury and the needs that arise from their disability.  We work closely with our clients and a team of trusted experts to understand the impact that the injury has had on our client’s life.

Most of our clients find that their CES disability reduces their independence and ability to carry out daily activities at home and at work. Whilst compensation cannot undo the injury, it can pay for solutions and support to ease the day-to-day difficulties faced by people who have been injured by CES. A successful claim can also replace lost income, providing the  financial security and peace of mind that comes with knowing that their ongoing needs will be met.

Our cauda equina syndrome solicitors have helped clients with CES recover compensation including:

  • pain, suffering and disability;
  • loss of earnings and pension;
  • care and home help;
  • therapies, such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy;
  • specialist equipment, such as wheelchairs and adapted vehicles;
  • home adaptations, to improve accessibility, accommodate carers or specialist equipment;
  • private medical costs;
  • psychological counselling.
 

Why choose Boyes Turner?

Watch the video
1min 25sec

“Our clients receive the highest standards of advice and representation and are always treated with compassion, outstanding care and understanding of the physical, emotional, psychological and financial impact that life-changing injury can have upon their lives.”

We are nationally acclaimed for our claimant medical negligence expertise and the outstanding results we achieve for our clients.
Our integrated multidisciplinary team offers our clients a full range of specialist help with compensation, rehabilitation, SEN, deputyship, personal injury trusts and community care.
We secure maximum compensation in claims for adults and children who have suffered catastrophic injury and severe disability, and provide practical support for their families.
We are ranked as leading clinical negligence experts in the Chambers Directory and Legal 500 guides to the legal profession and are accredited for our specialist expertise by the Law Society, AvMA, and the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL).

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Leading medical negligence solicitors for over 30 years

Our solicitors’ expertise in medical negligence claims and their dedication to improving the lives of their injured clients has been recognised by the legal profession and disability charities for over 30 years.