Cauda Equina Syndrome Claims
(CES) is a serious condition that requires urgent investigation and treatment. When symptoms aren't recognised or acted on quickly enough, delays in diagnosis, referral, scanning or treatment can have life-changing consequences.
If you have been left with ongoing problems after and are concerned that delays or mistakes in your medical care made your condition worse, our specialist medical negligence solicitors can help you understand what happened and whether you may have a claim.
We understand that the effects of can go far beyond the initial injury, affecting mobility, bladder and bowel function, sexual function, independence and your ability to work. While compensation cannot undo what has happened, a successful claim can help provide access to rehabilitation, treatment, care, equipment and other practical support, as well as financial security for the future.
To speak to one of our specialist medical negligence solicitors about your situation in confidence, call us for free on 0800 9956 068 , or contact us through the website.
If you’re concerned that delays or mistakes in your medical care made your cauda equina syndrome worse, talk to our specialist team. We can listen to what happened, answer your questions and help you understand whether you may have a claim. Call us today on 0800 9956 068, or get in touch via our form.
Our team includes specialists accredited by the Law Society, APIL, Headway and AvMA. These accreditations reflect our commitment to the highest standards in clinical negligence claims.
For decades, we’ve helped families secure the compensation they need to rebuild their lives. The settlements we achieve fund lifelong care, therapies and vital adaptations that make a real difference.
Be supported by a lawyer who listens, cares, and communicates clearly every step of the way. We’ll explain complex issues in plain language so you always feel informed and reassured.
We believe everyone should have access to justice. Many of our cases are funded through “no win, no fee” agreements, so you won’t pay anything unless your claim is successful.
If you’re concerned that delays or mistakes in your medical care made your worse, the first step is to talk to one of our specialist medical negligence solicitors.
We’ll listen to what happened, discuss the care you received and help you understand whether you may have a claim. If we believe there are grounds to investigate further, we’ll explain the next steps clearly and talk you through the funding options available to you.
We’ll then begin gathering the evidence needed to investigate your claim. This may include obtaining your medical records, taking a detailed account of what happened and working with independent medical experts to understand whether the care you received fell below an acceptable standard and, importantly, whether this affected your outcome.
We’ll also take the time to understand how has affected your day-to-day life and what support you may need now and in the future. Where appropriate, we’ll seek compensation to help with needs such as rehabilitation, treatment, care, specialist equipment, home adaptations and loss of earnings.
Many claims can be funded through a no win, no fee agreement. We’ll explain how this works, including any potential costs, before you decide whether you want to go ahead.
Christine kept me informed and updated on the progress of the case at all times. She was very good at clarifying any issues or concerns I had which helped greatly to ease my anxiety during the course of my claim. An excellent outcome achieved by her and her team. Thank you.
Medical Negligence Client
Once again, I’d like to thank you, Alex and your team for everything you’ve done for me. In what has been one, if not the worst, period of my life. The one really positive looking back through the gloom of 2020 and last year was that you, in your own way, were there for me. I’m so very glad that I met you and had the opportunity of letting you deal with my case rather than someone who wasn’t as understanding and compassionate as you.
Peter Fosbrook
Suzanne Munroe has provided high quality leadership over many years. The team itself has unrivalled expertise in the management of complex and high-value clinical negligence cases, and this permeates throughout all levels. The reputation of the clinical negligence team is also based an ethos that puts the needs of injured clients first and foremost, and a desire to achieve the very best results for them.
The Legal 500
Time limits play a vital role when considering a claim. The general rule in the UK for medical negligence claims is that you have three years from the date that the negligence occurred to make the claim. However, because treatments and medical negligence can be complex, you will often have three years from the 'date of knowledge' to start a claim instead.
The 'date of knowledge' isn't necessarily the date the negligence happened, but is the date you first became aware that you've suffered a significant injury due to potential negligence. It could also be the day you recognised the symptoms of cauda equina syndrome, the day you received your diagnosis, or when you realised the care provided was below the accepted standard.
However, there are exceptions to this three-year rule:
In very rare cases, the court can extend the timeline for a claim involving a delayed diagnosis where there is legitimate reason to do so. However, you should act as soon as possible to start the claims process. If it is necessary to wait to claim compensation until the full effects of medical negligence can be assessed, it is still important to file documents with the court within the relevant time limit. Acting early also means that it is more straightforward to collect the evidence we need while it remains fresh.
When medical negligence has led to a worsening of your cauda equina syndrome, calculating how much compensation you are owed can be complicated. There is no standard compensation figure as each payout is designed to cover the person's specific experiences. To do so, cauda equina compensation amounts are broken into two parts, each of which addresses a different type of loss related to the condition.
General damages compensate you for the injury itself and its non-financial impact. It aims to address pain, suffering and any loss of amenity, which means the impact on day-to-day life.
For a cauda equina claim, this may include compensation for:
We will use the Judicial College Guidelines as a starting point when valuing general damages. These guidelines offer minimum and maximum values for general damages in personal injury cases, and can be used to value pain, suffering and loss of amenity accurately.
In a cauda equina case, general damages can be higher than other types of medical negligence claim, because the condition can cause permanent neurological, bladder, bowel, sexual and mobility problems without urgent medical attention. Our solicitors specialise in cauda equina claims, and can centre the physical and quality-of-life impact to the valuation.
Special damages compensate you for financial losses and expenses caused by the negligence. These must be supported with evidence such as payslips, invoices, receipts or other types of evidence to show the full extent of any losses.
In a cauda equina claim, special damages may include:
Special damages often form a very large part of serious cauda equina claims because the financial consequences can continue for years, or in some cases for the rest of your life.
Potential costs are among the biggest concerns our clients have about claiming compensation. At Switalskis, we're committed to making the process as accessible as possible by offering various funding options to meet your needs:
Remember, your first consultation with our clinical negligence solicitors is free and without obligation. We'll discuss the funding options available to you and help you choose the best one for your situation.
The length of time it takes to resolve a claim varies depending on the specifics of the case. Every claimant's circumstances are unique, from the severity of the syndrome to whether or not liability is admitted. Whatever the timeframe, we strive to complete the process without compromising the quality and thoroughness of our legal representation.
In cases where the responsible party admits negligence early on, a resolution might be reached within 18 months to two years. However, if the healthcare provider disputes the claim or if the medical facts are complex, a claim can take several years to conclude. Rest assured, we’ll work diligently to gather evidence, liaise with medical experts and negotiate with the other side to achieve the best possible outcome for you.
We understand the urgency you may feel to conclude your claim, especially if you're facing financial pressures due to lost income or increased care costs. Therefore, in many cases, we seek to secure interim payments. These are early part payments of your compensation, granted before the final settlement, to help you cope with immediate expenses and losses related to your condition.
While we recognise the desire for swift resolution, our top priority is to secure the maximum cauda equina compensation for you. Our lawyers will keep you informed at every stage, making sure you understand the timeline and any factors that could influence it. Your welfare, rights and peace of mind are at the heart of what we do at Switalskis.
Making a cauda equina claim can seem daunting, especially while dealing with the emotional and physical impacts of the condition. Switalskis is here to support and guide you through every step of this process. Our experienced cauda equina solicitors make the process as simple as possible, and will take on the bulk of the legal responsibility for your claim so you can focus on adjusting to your new circumstances.
Reach out to Switalskis for a free, no obligation initial consultation . During this meeting, we’ll listen to your story, understand your concerns and explain whether we think you have a strong case. If you decide to proceed, we can then discuss the next steps and the available funding options.
We’ll gather all the relevant information we need to build your case . This will include applying for all of your medical records, including your GP records. We’ll ask you for photographs, receipts and any other documents that may support your claim. We will take a detailed witness statement to tell your version of events. We may arrange for you to be assessed by an independent medical expert to provide an unbiased view of your injuries and future prognosis. The aim will be to prove that the negligence was responsible for your injury and consider the potential value of the claim.
Once we have supportive evidence, we’ll send a letter of claim to the doctor and/or hospital involved . This will outline details of the claim and state allegations regarding the negligent treatment.
The defendant will then have four months to investigate the allegations made against them and respond to the letter of claim in a letter of response. This letter will include whether the defendant accepts they are at fault, which is called an admission of liability. If they do not accept fault, they will state this in the letter and this is called a denial of liability. We will advise you of the next steps at this stage.
If the defendant or practice has admitted fault, negotiations can start. Our cauda equina solicitors will negotiate on your behalf, using our expertise and experience to secure the highest possible compensation amount for you. At this stage, we will discuss how much compensation you may receive. This will be calculated to cover the pain and suffering caused by the negligence, as well as any financial losses or expenses you’ve experienced as a result.
Most claims will be settled through negotiation without needing to go to court. In the rare instances where the case does go to trial , you can trust us to represent you throughout the process.
At Switalskis, we understand that every client's situation is unique. We strive to make this journey as straightforward as possible for you, explaining complex legal terminology in simple, clear language, so you understand and are comfortable with every step of the process.
Contact us today and let's start your journey towards recovery together. Call us today on 0800 9956 068, or get in touch via our form.
(CES) is a rare but serious condition caused by compression of the nerves at the bottom of the spinal canal. These nerves help control movement and sensation in the lower body, as well as bladder, bowel and sexual function.
CES requires urgent assessment and treatment. If the pressure on the nerves is not identified and treated quickly enough, it can result in permanent problems with bladder and bowel function, sexual function and movement or sensation in the legs.
occurs when the nerves at the bottom of the spinal canal become compressed.
A large prolapsed or slipped disc is a common cause, but CES can also be associated with:
Whatever the cause, suspected requires urgent medical assessment.
There is no single symptom that confirms and people can experience symptoms differently.
Warning signs can include new or worsening problems with bladder function, changes in sensation around the genitals, perineum or anus, loss of sensation of rectal fullness, sexual dysfunction and severe or progressive weakness in both legs.
If you are currently experiencing symptoms that could indicate cauda equina syndrome, seek urgent medical attention. This page is intended for people who have concerns about medical care they have already received.
Having does not automatically mean that medical negligence occurred.
You may be able to make a claim if the care you received fell below an acceptable standard and this caused your condition or made the outcome worse than it otherwise would have been.
For example, this could involve a failure to recognise symptoms, delays in referring you for further assessment, delays in carrying out appropriate investigations or delays in treatment.
Our specialist medical negligence solicitors can review what happened and advise you whether there may be grounds to investigate a claim.
CES claims can arise at different stages of someone's care. Depending on the circumstances, this could include:
For a successful medical negligence claim, it is not enough to show that there was a mistake or delay. It will also be necessary to establish that this caused avoidable harm or made your outcome worse.
Potentially. People with may initially seek help from their GP or another primary care healthcare professional because of back pain, sciatica or changes in bladder, bowel, sexual or neurological function.
A claim may be possible if appropriate warning signs were not recognised or acted upon and this caused an avoidable delay in diagnosis or treatment which made your condition worse.
This could include concerns about how your symptoms were assessed, whether an appropriate referral was made or whether you were given appropriate advice about seeking urgent medical help if your symptoms changed.
Potentially. plays an important role in investigating suspected and delays can occur at different stages of hospital care.
Claims may involve delays in arranging or carrying out an scan, reporting or acting on the results, obtaining specialist review or providing appropriate treatment.
Whether a delay amounts to medical negligence will depend on the circumstances and, importantly, whether earlier investigation or treatment would probably have resulted in a better outcome.
The effects of CES vary from person to person. Some people recover well, while others can experience significant and permanent problems.
Long-term effects can include:
When investigating a claim, we consider the full impact CES has had on your life as well as the treatment, rehabilitation, care and support you may need in the future.
Having surgery does not necessarily mean that your care was negligent if you continue to experience symptoms. Some people can have ongoing problems despite receiving appropriate treatment.
However, if there were avoidable delays before your surgery and earlier treatment could have resulted in a better outcome, there may be grounds for a medical negligence claim.
Independent medical evidence is usually needed to establish what difference, if any, the delay made to your condition.
There is no single symptom or examination that can diagnose or rule out cauda equina syndrome.
Healthcare professionals should consider the symptoms you describe alongside their clinical assessment. Where CES is suspected, urgent imaging, usually an scan, may be required to identify whether the nerves are being compressed.
If you believe warning signs were missed or there was an avoidable delay in investigating your symptoms, our solicitors can review the care you received and advise whether there may be grounds for a claim.
There is no standard amount of compensation for cauda equina syndrome. The value of a claim depends on the severity of the avoidable injury and the impact it has had, and is expected to have, on your life.
Compensation can take account of your pain and suffering as well as financial losses and future needs. Depending on your circumstances, this may include loss of earnings, rehabilitation and treatment, care and assistance, specialist equipment, mobility aids, home or vehicle adaptations and other support.
We will work with you and independent experts to understand the full impact of your injury before valuing your claim.
In most medical negligence claims, court proceedings must be started within three years of the date the negligence occurred or the date you first knew, or could reasonably have known, that you had suffered a significant injury which may have been caused by negligent treatment.
Different rules can apply in some circumstances, including claims involving children or people who lack mental capacity.
Limitation can be complicated, so it is important to seek specialist legal advice as soon as possible if you are concerned about the treatment you received.
Coping with the aftermath of a diagnosis can be a challenging journey. The emotional toll it takes calls for the backing of a trusted partner who can guide you through these unfamiliar and stressful times.
compensation claims may appear complex, but our aim is to simplify this complexity for you. We're committed to translating complicated legal jargon into plain, clear language. Our dedicated team is here to address all your concerns, simplify the process, and make sure you're fully briefed at every step of the journey.
Understanding your unique circumstances is at the heart of our approach. We listen attentively to your concerns, respect your feelings and provide thoughtful advice that is customised to your needs. To us, you're more than a client - you're an individual grappling with challenging circumstances, and we're here for you, steadfast in our support.
When dealing with something as significant as a compensation claim, you need assurance that you're in capable hands. At Switalskis, our team brings together decades of experience and a proven track record in handling cauda equina claims.
Our team is driven to uphold your rights and make sure your voice is heard. We'll guide you through every stage of the claim process, making sure you're informed and empowered to make the decisions that are right for you.
Call us or complete our online enquiry form for free, confidential advice from a specialist solicitor. We’ll listen to what happened, answer your questions and help you understand whether delays or mistakes in your diagnosis or treatment may have caused avoidable harm.
Contact Switalskis today by calling 0800 9956 068 or get in touch with us through the website to discuss your concerns in confidence with a legal specialist.