Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) Claims
Cauda Equina Syndrome (“CES”) can cause serious health complications, including severe lower back pain, incontinence, sciatica, numbness and sexual dysfunction. Errors made during surgery, delayed diagnosis, or misdiagnosis can all cause or exacerbate the symptoms associated with CES.
CES, like other types of serious spinal injuries, can result in lengthy periods of hospitalisation, and years of therapy and treatment during the recovery process. This, coupled with the home adaptations that may need to be made to accommodate for the change in circumstances, can cause genuine physical and psychological burdens, as well as concerns about a loss of earnings.
At Lavelle Partners, we know the profound impact that living with CES has on the lives of individuals and their families. We have previously worked with many clients who have been diagnosed with CES, successfully bringing claims on their behalf where the condition was the result of another party’s negligence.
By engaging with one of our medical negligence solicitors, we will endeavour to advise you on your options for bringing a claim against the negligent party, with a view to holding them accountable, seeking financial damages for your losses and ensuring that the you have the correct supports and facilities in place.
We have a wealth of combined experience and legal expertise and clearly understand the challenges that a CES diagnosis can present. As such, our solicitors will carefully manage the processes involved in making a claim, taking the time to compile of all the information necessary for your case.
Cauda Equina refers to the group of nerves at the end of the spinal cord and includes both motor and sensory nerves for one’s legs and bladder. When an individual suffers a spinal injury through compression of the nerve roots in the spine of their lower back (known as the lumbar spine), CES may develop.
The salient effect of CES is that sensation and mobility are impaired, and this will detrimentally impact the nerves controlling the bladder and bowel. Hence, it is imperative that one receives efficient and effective treatment within 12 to 48 hours of symptoms developing to mitigate any adverse effects to the spinal nerves.
CES can develop as a result of several factors. These include slipped discs, injuries to the lower back, tumours in the spinal area, infection, birth defects, and medical negligence, including errors during surgery.
There are two predominant instances in which CES negligence claims arise. First, a patient may have received inadequate surgery and consequently developed CES. Alternatively, a GP or doctor may have failed to appropriately recognise the symptoms of CES, thereby resulting in a lack of or unsuitable treatment, exacerbating the situation.
CES misdiagnosis could happen for a number of reasons. As the symptoms of CES share similarities with various other conditions, medical professionals may provide an incorrect diagnosis. A doctor may incorrectly declare that a patient is experiencing conditions such as:
If misdiagnosis occurs, the correct tests for CES may not take place at the right time. This means the diagnosis and treatment may not take place, resulting in permanent injuries which may have otherwise been avoided had the correct steps been taken in the first instance.
There are a number of symptoms associated with CES. The most common amongst these is retention of urine within the bladder, such that one does not sense it or experience the urge to urinate. Lower back pain, incontinence, and sexual dysfunction are further symptoms, as are sciatica and feelings of numbness in the saddle region of the body, legs, and groin.
Should one experience these symptoms, medical attention should be sought immediately so as to prevent potentially devastating consequences. Typically, an MRI will be performed to determine if one has developed CES and whether emergency surgery is necessary.
Whilst swift medical treatment will not necessarily guarantee a full recovery, it will relieve pressure on the nerves and reduce the likelihood of permanent damage to the bowel and bladder, paralysis, paranaesthesia, pain, and / or loss of sexual sensation.
A diagnosis of CES can have an incredibly debilitating effect on one’s life. Surgical intervention will be required and the result of this can be challenging, both physically and socially.
Everyday aspects of one’s life can be altered through experiencing difficulties with walking or by facing an inability to work. As a result, rehabilitation and therapy will often be required.
CES claims that are raised due to negligence will typically cover two areas of loss, these are:
Claims will be determined on the precise nature of the injuries and the surrounding circumstances of the case.
The limitation period for making a claim for CES negligence claims in Ireland is two years. This two-year limit is counted from the date that the negligence took place, or the date of knowledge. CES claims in Ireland that fall outside of this window may be statute barred.
By allowing our medical negligence solicitors to manage your claim on your behalf, you will be able to focus on your recovery and care, or that of your family member or loved one who has experienced CES negligence.
For further information on making a claim for CES, please contact us on +353 1 644 5800 or email law@lavellepartners.ie.
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