Cauda Equina

Cauda Equina Syndrome Claim

The consequences of poor or delayed care for people suffering from cauda equina syndrome can be extremely serious and challenging. It is, therefore, imperative that patients are able to bring about a successful compensation claim with the help of a specialist solicitor who truly understands the condition and the issues surrounding it.

JMW has built an unrivalled reputation as a specialist in cauda equina syndrome claims, handling most cases on a no win, no fee basis. Our knowledgeable and professional approach has made all the difference to our clients; we have not only achieved compensation settlements that have allowed them to rebuild their lives, we have also acted as a great source of support during an extremely challenging time.

If you or a loved one has been affected by cauda equina syndrome that was caused by medical negligence, our team of specialist solicitors is here to help. Contact us today on 0345 872 6666 or complete our online contact form and we will get in touch with you about making a cauda equina syndrome claim.

How JMW Can Help

Our solicitors have successfully settled many claims of this type and are currently helping sufferers across the country to challenge the poor care or negligence that has resulted in their long-term injuries, including those caused by cauda equina syndrome. Successful claims help those in need to cover medical costs and make any essential adaptations to their daily life.

Headed up by leading cauda equina solicitor Eddie Jones, our specialists have strong links with the charity Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA), and two of our partners are on their panel of approved solicitors. In addition, we have lawyers who are members of the Law Society's Panel of Clinical Negligence Specialists. We work nationwide and visit our clients at home whenever needed.

We have helped a range of sufferers to claim cauda equina compensation where medical negligence has made the effects more severe, often gaining settlements at a higher level than the national average. Read about JMW client and founder of the CES Association Claire Thornber in this article on the Daily Mail website.

Average settlement relates to claims settled between 1 May 2021 and 30 April 2023 that range from five figure sums to those running into millions of pounds. The compensation JMW has secured has helped our clients to purchase specially adapted homes suitable for their disabilities and cover the cost of other expenses such as lost earnings

JMW and The Cauda Equina Syndrome Association (CESA)

The Cauda Equina Syndrome Association (CESA) was set up by Claire Thornber in 2013 with support from JMW and strives to raise awareness of the devastating spinal condition cauda equina syndrome and to support those affected by it.

Claire, a JMW client and cauda equina syndrome (CES) sufferer, identified that there was a need for an organisation to campaign for greater understanding of the 'red flag signs' of CES. She hopes to ensure that more sufferers receive urgent treatment to enable them to recover and avoid permanent injury.

CES can affect anyone of any age and is caused when the cauda equina nerves at the base of the spine become compressed, often by a slipped disc. The red flag signs are bowel and bladder dysfunction, altered sensation in the lower part of the body, pain in the back/legs and loss of sexual sensation. It requires surgery to relieve the pressure within 24/48 hours but if healthcare professionals do not recognise the signs, or delay treatment, the condition can become permanent.

For more information about CESA please visit http://www.ihavecaudaequina.com/

Case Studies

Peter's Story 

JMW also supported "Peter", 44, through a cauda equina compensation claim. Peter has seen almost every single aspect of his life change following a cauda equina syndrome diagnosis, including his ability to work, relationship with his wife and son, and his body image and fitness. 

You can read about Peter's experiences here. 

Cauda equina is a serious spinal injury that can devastate lives due to the distressing long-term problems it causes, including incontinence, lingering pain, impaired mobility and sexual dysfunction. When it first strikes, urgent surgery is required to stop its effects from becoming permanent.

Lower back pain is exceedingly common and, in the vast majority of cases, it clears up on its own without treatment. However, occasionally it can be more serious. At the upper lumbar region of the spinal canal, the nerves of the pelvis and legs branch out from the end of the spinal cord in a 'horse's tail' effect. Anything that causes a narrowing of the spinal canal at this level resulting in a compression of this particular bundle of nerves is classed as cauda equina syndrome (CES).

These nerves are particularly susceptible to injury; particularly those supplying the bladder and bowel, and the most usual cause of CES is a prolapsed (slipped) disc. Other causes include:

For more information about CES, such as what it is, the symptoms to look out for, who it affects and where to go for help, check out our infographic here or click the image below.

Common Reasons for a Claim

Because of the nature of the condition, we have found that sufferers of cauda equina have experienced certain issues that sufferers of other injuries or ailments have not endured. Among these are:

Lack of Awareness in Hospitals

Medical staff in hospitals may not be fully aware of the signs of cauda equina syndrome, nor the need for fast action and the devastating impact it can have on lives. Systematic failures at smaller hospitals may also mean they are not fully equipped to deal with serious spinal injuries requiring urgent investigation and referral to specialist units.

Delayed MRI or CT Scans

Sufferers can face delays of days, even weeks, before they undergo a scan. While waiting, their condition can deteriorate so significantly that it may be too late to prevent permanent nerve damage and lives can be turned upside down as a result.

Misdiagnosis by GPs

While most GPs are aware of cauda equina and the need to immediately refer sufferers to hospitals for scans and surgery, some may let patients down by misdiagnosing the condition and failing to recommend appropriate action.

Poor Surgery

A poor standard of surgery can mean that a patient's condition is worsened or left untreated. This can lead to permanent damage being caused and the need for further operations, which can be traumatic for patients and carries the risk of permanent damage.

What to Do if Your Loved One is Diagnosed with Cauda Equina Syndrome

A diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome can be devastating and the long-term impact of this spinal condition can mean that very often patients struggle to get their lives back on track.

Like many debilitating conditions, a diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome can have serious implications for the whole family. It may be difficult to know where to turn to in circumstances such as these, but your role in the recovery of your loved one will likely prove to be invaluable, and cauda equina syndrome compensation payouts may help significantly with this.

Take a look at our advice on how you can help a loved one who has been diagnosed with cauda equina syndrome.

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