Cauda equina syndrome claims
Cauda equine syndrome (also known as CEC) is a serious medical condition that without a quick diagnosis and immediate referral and treatment could lead to serious neurological damage.
If you have suffered serious neurological damage due to a misdiagnosis or slow treatment then you need to speak to one our expert cauda equina solicitors today to claim compensation.
What is cauda equina syndrome?
Cauda equine syndrome affects the nerves in the spinal canal. This happens when the nerves are damaged. As a result the muscles of the legs, bladder, bowel and genitals are unable to function properly.
What are the causes of cauda equina syndrome?
If the nerves at the bottom of the spine become compressed it will result in cauda equine syndrome. These nerves are important as they are used to send signal to the muscles in the legs, bladder, bowel and genitals. The most common causes are:
- A tumour on the spine
- A slipped disc
- A fracture of the spine
- A infection of the spine
Symptoms of cauda equina syndrome (often referred to as ‘red flags’)
Cauda equine syndrome is a serious medical condition and needs early diagnosis and immediate treatment to prevent serious injury. This is why medical professionals need act upon any ‘red flag’ symptoms, these are:
- Back pain
- You are unable to urinate
- You have incontinence because you have lost sensation in the bowels
- You have lost sensation in the genital/perineal area
- If you have any pain, weakness and loss of feelings in the legs
If any of these symptoms are misdiagnosed by a healthcare professional this can result in sever neurological damage. If you feel that you were misdiagnosed or treatment was to slow please speak to one our specialist cauda equina solicitors today.
How do you make a compensation claim for cauda equina?
We will arrange a free initial consultation to discuss the treatment in question. We will advise you thereafter whether we feel that you have a potential cauda equina claim.
The usual first step in pursuing any type of medical negligence claim is to obtain medical records. After that, input from a medical expert is likely to be required to assess whether the treatment provided fell below a minimum standard of care. Depending on the outcome of the initial assessment by the expert, you may need to attend an appointment to be examined.
Expert evidence will assist us in determining the strength of the cauda equina claim and the allegations of negligence which can be put forward to the health care professionals responsible.
How long will a cauda equina syndrome compensation claim take?
There are a number of factors that affect a caudi equina claim. These make it difficult to give an exact timescale and are affected by:
- The availability to collect evidence
- Where the entity responsible admits liability
- The nature of your injury
It’s important to consider all these factors as our specialist caudi equina solicitors need evaluate the true impact of your injury when calculating your compensation.
How much compensation might you receive for a cauda equina syndrome claims?
This really depends on your circumstances and the severity of your injury as a result of medical negligence. This can vary between individuals, but be rest assured that our specialist team is experienced in ensuring that you and your family receive the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
Compensation will include an award for the pain and suffering caused by your illness. In addition compensation can also be claimed in respect of care needs, financial losses, medical care and treatment.
Why choose Hugh James?
Hugh James has successfully helped a number of clients with cases where they have suffered amputation due to medical negligence.
As part of the claim we will consider your individual needs following your injury and obtain expert advice on:
- Care support and assistance;
- Private medical treatment and therapy;
- Extensive prosthesis;
- Rehabilitation or retraining;
- Adaptations to your property; and
- Specialist equipment.
Our experienced team of medical negligence lawyers can help you access this specialist care and services.
We can offer no win, no fee arrangement from the outset (if your case is accepted).
Our experienced medical negligence legal team will make the whole claim process as simple as possible for you and will provide you with regular updates throughout your case. We will also work to get some of your compensation paid early so that your immediate needs can be met while the amputation claim continues.
If you feel you may have a claim, contact our friendly and approachable team today.