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Cauda equina syndrome - Spinal cord injury
Patients who suffer cauda equina syndrome as a result of medical negligence can win very substantial compensation, depending on their degree of disability. The Clinical Negligence team at Blake Lapthorn solicitors will help you establish whether you have a potential claim, and pursue your claim vigorously.
Cauda equina syndrome occurs when the sensory and motor nerves running through the spinal cord which supply the muscles of the legs, buttocks, bladder, bowel and genitals become damaged. Depending upon the extent of damage, it can cause temporary or permanent symptoms including loss of motor function, and loss of feeling in the legs causing problems with mobility. Often there is loss of normal bladder and bowel function, and loss of sexual sensation. These injuries are very significant and have a huge impact upon an individual’s life and ability to work.
We know that the most significant factor in successful treatment of cauda equina syndrome is the time within which surgery to decompress the nerves is performed. It is generally accepted that action must be taken within 48 hours following the onset of symptoms. Compensation claims usually arise because of a failure to recognise and treat cauda equina syndrome sufficiently quickly, or because of inadequate treatment. However, the syndrome can develop as a result of a traumatic injury, or from another cause such as a spinal cyst.
The proposed defendant in a cauda equina case may be a GP, or other primary healthcare worker such as a physiotherapist or chiropractor, who failed to recognise symptoms of cauda equina syndrome, and to refer the patient immediately to an appropriate consultant. Alternatively, the proposed defendant may be an accident and emergency department, consultant or hospital which has failed to appreciate the significance of a patient’s symptoms and the urgency of the situation.
Telephone us on 0844 620 6200
Email us at blclaims@bllaw.co.uk
Cauda equina syndrome occurs when the sensory and motor nerves running through the spinal cord which supply the muscles of the legs, buttocks, bladder, bowel and genitals become damaged. Depending upon the extent of damage, it can cause temporary or permanent symptoms including loss of motor function, and loss of feeling in the legs causing problems with mobility. Often there is loss of normal bladder and bowel function, and loss of sexual sensation. These injuries are very significant and have a huge impact upon an individual’s life and ability to work.
We know that the most significant factor in successful treatment of cauda equina syndrome is the time within which surgery to decompress the nerves is performed. It is generally accepted that action must be taken within 48 hours following the onset of symptoms. Compensation claims usually arise because of a failure to recognise and treat cauda equina syndrome sufficiently quickly, or because of inadequate treatment. However, the syndrome can develop as a result of a traumatic injury, or from another cause such as a spinal cyst.
The proposed defendant in a cauda equina case may be a GP, or other primary healthcare worker such as a physiotherapist or chiropractor, who failed to recognise symptoms of cauda equina syndrome, and to refer the patient immediately to an appropriate consultant. Alternatively, the proposed defendant may be an accident and emergency department, consultant or hospital which has failed to appreciate the significance of a patient’s symptoms and the urgency of the situation.
Contact the Clinical Negligence team
Telephone us on 0844 620 6200
Email us at blclaims@bllaw.co.uk
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Call us between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday, or use the enquiry form outside office hours
Or call us on 0844 620 6600
