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Cauda Equina Claims

If you live with cauda equina syndrome, and this was caused or worsened by medical negligence, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation. This can help to ensure you can access professional medical treatment, occupational therapy and more.

Our team of accredited and specialist medical negligence solicitors are available to advise anyone who experienced inadequate medical treatment, leading to an avoidable injury. To speak to our team today, please use the contact details below.

 

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Why work with our cerebral palsy solicitors?

At Minton Morrill, we are industry-leading experts in the field of medical negligence.

Industry leaders

Medical negligence expertise independently recognised by leading client guides, the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners

No win, no fee claims

We represent clients on a no win, no fee basis, meaning anyone can pursue a claim

Highly experienced

30 years of experience in advising on medical negligence claims

 

You can learn more about our expertise with medical negligence matters, including cauda equina, here.

Making a cauda equina claim with our team

There are many steps involved in making a cauda equina claim. This is where the support of our medical negligence solicitors will prove invaluable. We will keep the process as straightforward as possible, and ensure you know exactly what steps need to be taken and when.

For a cauda equina claim, our team will:

  • Meet you to talk about your case and whether you will be entitled to compensation.
  • Gather and collate all the information relevant to the claim.
  • Explain your funding options for making a claim, including no win, no fee.
  • Request all medical records from the hospitals and/or GPs involved.
  • Collect witness statements.
  • Instruct independent medical experts to report on the standard of care provided.
  • Prepare a Letter of Claim to serve to the Defendant hospital.
    • Where matters are complex, we will also arrange a Conference with a barrister, the experts and yourself.
  • Establish quantum of damages where the Defendant makes full admission of liability.
  • Issue a claim in court where a case is disputed.

Cauda Equina FAQs

What is cauda equina syndrome?

Cauda equina syndrome is a disorder which affects the bundle of nerve roots called the cauda equina. These nerves are located at the bottom of the spinal cord, sending and receiving messages to the legs, feet and pelvic organs.

Cauda equina syndrome is caused when all of these nerves in the lower back become suddenly severely compressed, often due to a slipped disc. This can result in several symptoms, including:

  • Sciatica on both sides
  • Weakness or numbness in both legs
  • Numbness around or under the genitals, or around the anus
  • Difficulty urinating, or lack of control

Failing to accurately, and promptly, diagnose cauda equina syndrome can lead to incredibly serious health consequences, such as permanent paralysis and incontinence.

What causes cauda equina syndrome?

Cauda equina syndrome typically occurs in adults more often than children. There are a number of potential causes, including:

  • Slipped disc
  • Stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
  • Spinal lesions or malignant tumours
  • Spinal infections, inflammation, haemorrhage or fracture
  • Complications from severe lumbar spine injury
  • Congenital abnormality of the spine or birth defect
Can I claim for cauda equina?

Whether or not you will be able to make a claim for cauda equina compensation will depend on the circumstances of your case. This will primarily involve establishing whether medical negligence was a contributing factor.

You may be able to make a claim for compensation if there is evidence to suggest that:

  • Your condition was misdiagnosed
  • There was a delay in your diagnosis
  • Mistakes were made during surgery
  • Mistakes were made during the post-operative stage following surgery
How much compensation can I receive for cauda equina?

Every cauda equina case comes with its own set of unique circumstances. This means that the level of compensation that could be awarded can vary.

The amount of compensation that is awarded will depend on various factors, which include the severity of the injury, the impact it has had on your life, and the cost of therapies, aids and equipment.

More information about our previous successful cases and how much we have been able to secure for our clients can be found in our case studies section.

Are there time limits for making cauda equina claims?

Generally, there is a three-year time limit to make a medical negligence claim, including for cauda equina syndrome. This three-year time limit is counted from the date that your condition could have been avoided.

There are some exceptions to this general rule:

  • If you are making a claim on behalf of a child, there are no time limits for making a claim. The three-year time limit will start when they turn 18.
  • There are no time limits if you are making a claim on behalf of someone who lacks mental capacity.

Free consultation - find out if you have a cauda equina claim

To discuss your case in detail and find out whether you have grounds to claim cauda equina compensation, please get in touch with our team today.