Cauda Equina Syndrome Claims For Medical Negligence Compensation

Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) is a serious medical condition that arises when there is severe compression of the cauda equina nerves, located at the lower end of the spinal cord. Immediate diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent irreversible damage, which can include paralysis, loss of bladder and bowel control, and severe pain. Unfortunately, many cases of CES arise from medical negligence, where GP and hospital mistakes can lead to missed or delayed diagnosis.

Types of Damages You Can Recover

Victims of cauda equina syndrome caused by negligence may be entitled to recover both general damages and special damages, including:

General & Special Damages:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of amenity (reduced quality of life)
• Psychological trauma
• Special Damages:
• Loss of earnings (past and future)
• Cost of ongoing care or assistance
• Medical treatment and rehabilitation costs
• Travel expenses to and from appointments
• Costs of home adaptations or mobility aids (e.g., wheelchairs, stairlifts)
• Loss of pension contributions
• Cost of retraining or career change if unable to return to previous work

These damages aim to cover both the immediate and long-term consequences of CES, ensuring that the injured party receives support for a drastically changed lifestyle.

How to check your eligibility to make a Cauda Equina Claim?

Have you or a loved one been affected by medical negligence that has resulted in a diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome? Whether you were misdiagnosed or received incorrect treatment from a hospital, GP, or any medical professional, FreeClaimCheck.co.uk can assist. Our AI-powered free claim check quickly tells you if you’re eligible to make a claim, and in some cases, even estimates how much your claim could be worth in minutes-anytime day or night. There is no obligation for you to make a claim.

→ Check Your Claim In Minutes >

Common Medical Negligence Scenarios Leading to Cauda Equina Syndrome

1. Missed or Delayed Diagnosis

A paramount reason for CES negligence claims is the failure to diagnose in a timely manner. Missed symptoms, such as back pain, numbness, or incontinence, are often dismissed or misinterpreted by healthcare providers as less serious conditions.

2. Inadequate Patient Assessment

Healthcare professionals may fail to perform necessary examinations or ignore signs that indicate neurological deterioration, leading to worsening of symptoms without proper treatment.

3. Incorrect Interpretation of Imaging

Failures in accurately reading MRI or CT scans can result in a missed diagnosis of the spinal compression and subsequently delay essential surgical interventions.

4. Poor Communication and Referral Systems

Delayed referrals from GPs to specialists due to inefficient communication can increase the risk of developing or worsening CES, as timely specialist intervention is crucial.

5. Failure to Follow Guidelines

Ignoring established medical protocols or NICE guidelines that dictate the urgent treatment required for CES can exacerbate the condition, leading to permanent nerve damage.

6. Surgical Errors

Errors during back surgeries or post-operative care that result in nerve compression can directly contribute to the development of CES, making it a prominent basis for negligence claims.

7. Premature Discharge from Hospital

Patients presenting early signs of CES may be discharged too early without adequate investigation, only to return with worsening symptoms.

8. Failure to Escalate Care

Junior doctors or A&E staff may fail to escalate concerning signs to senior staff or neurosurgical teams, leading to delays in diagnosis or surgery.

9. Delays in Emergency Surgery

Even after a diagnosis is made, a delay in scheduling urgent decompression surgery can worsen nerve damage, turning a potentially reversible condition into a permanent disability.

10. Medication Errors

Administration of inappropriate medications (e.g. steroids or sedatives) without addressing the root cause of CES can mask symptoms and delay proper surgical treatment.

Unsure if you are eligible to make a Cauda Equina Claim For Compensation?

If so, watch the 60-second video below to find out how you can check your claim in minutes.