‘Sonia’, 63

Sonia attended A&E with a history of back pain however the hospital failed to diagnose and subsequently treat her cauda equina syndrome.

Mark Havenhand, partner in JMW’s clinical negligence team, helped Sonia secure a settlement of £1.15 million, to help her adapt to living with cauda equina syndrome. Read Sonia’s story:

Missed diagnosis

Sonia had a history of back pain over the years which she had largely managed with medication and physiotherapy. She was still able to work and lived a 'normal' life.

However, her pain continued to worsen, and she developed a new symptom of reduced sensation when urinating, so Sonia attended A&E. Whilst at A&E she was assessed and correctly sent for an urgent MRI scan.

The scan identified that there was significant progression of the disc protrusion when compared to a previous image but crucially stated that the cauda equina nerve roots were “unremarkable”.

Due to this scan being reported incorrectly, Sonia was reassured and sent home with painkillers.

Sonia’s condition continued to deteriorate and she attended A&E again six weeks later. She was referred for a nerve root block injection and discharged with no further imaging undertaken.

It wasn’t until approximately three weeks later (when she attended hospital again) that her condition was diagnosed and surgery was carried out.

Due to the delay in treatment Sonia is now left with impaired bowel, bladder and sexual function and ongoing neuropathic pain, which limits her mobility.

JMW’s investigation

Sonia was understandably concerned that her cauda equina syndrome had not been picked up earlier and contacted JMW to investigate.

Mark Havenhand was able to establish that the care she received was unacceptable and had she been treated correctly at either the first or second attendance, would have enjoyed a good recovery.

A settlement of £1,150,000 was agreed at a mediation in close proximity to trial. This will help Sonia adapt to living with cauda equina syndrome and the challenges that her condition now produces on a day to day basis.