Professional legal advice for Cauda Equina compensation claims
Cauda Equina syndrome is a serious condition that can result in permanent paralysis if not treated promptly and correctly. If you have suffered a late or inaccurate diagnosis for it, you may be entitled to make a compensation claim.
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What is Cauda Equina Syndrome?
Cauda Equina syndrome is a rare condition that occurs when nerves in the lower spine become compressed and start to swell. As it is a rare condition, it is can be difficult to spot. Surgery is needed to treat the condition as soon as possible, otherwise the consequences could be as severe as permanent paralysis.
Cauda Equina symptoms may include:
- Extreme lower back pain
- Loss of sensation and pain in the legs
- Bladder/bowel dysfunction
- Sexual dysfunction
How is Cauda Equina treated?
Once it is deemed safe to proceed, surgical decompression is generally used to treat Cauda Equina. Lumbar laminectomy is a type of surgery in which a piece of bone over the nerves (and sometimes material underneath) is removed, freeing the trapped nerves and letting them heal more efficiently.
It is preferred that the surgery commences within 48 hours once the symptoms are discovered, to prevent any further effects. If a doctor does not treat the condition quickly, they may be liable for the worsening of your condition, which could have been avoided. For example, they may fail to refer you to the relevant specialist, or simply miss the the specific symptoms and assume that your condition is something less serious.
What can compensation help me with?
A successful claim can help you in many ways. Not only does it bring a sense of justice for what has happened, but it can help to pay for any specialist care that you may require afterwards such as therapy or rehabilitation, or any further surgery. It can also help you adjust to day-to-day life should you need any adjustments to your house or require any equipment. If you have been forced to have time off work you may also be compensated for your loss of income.
When can I make a Medical Negligence claim?
In most cases, claims need to be made within three years from when you either suffered negligent care, or three years from when you first discovered your injury and your Cauda Equina has worsened. However, this time restriction can vary depending on the circumstances of your case. For example, when making a claim for a child, the three year time restriction begins after the child turn 18 years old. Likewise, someone who lacks mental capacity and cannot make a claim on their own may also be exempt from the restriction.
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How is Medical Negligence funded?
There are various options for funding claims. Many of our cases are funded using Conditional Fee Agreements, (also called a ‘No Win No Fee’ agreement). In a Conditional Fee Agreement, you will only pay for our solicitors’ work if we win the case for you. In very limited cases we can offer advice for free thanks to Legal Aid funding. Our solicitors can review and discuss your funding options and help you decide the best route to take.
How can Switalskis help me?
We believe that it is important to understand what went wrong and why you were subject to medical negligence. We will provide you with the advice and guidance you need along the way, to give you peace of mind and a fair level of compensation.
Our team includes solicitors who are accredited as specialists by both The Law Society and the patients’ charity, Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA). We are also recognised as being among the top Clinical Negligence teams in England by the Legal 500 UK, the foremost legal guide for clients.
Call us on 0800 138 0458 or contact us through the website to talk to a medical negligence solicitor about your circumstances.
