Cauda Equina Injury Claims
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The condition known as cauda equina syndrome results from the compression of nerves at the lower part of the spinal cord. This condition can bring about severe and serious consequences, such as the loss of bladder and bowel control, a paralysis-like condition in the legs, and sexual dysfunction.
These changes can profoundly affect your life, making you feel a bit disabled, even if you attempt to carry on as usual. If a medical mistake led to you suffering from this condition, we can help you.
Start Your Cauda Equina Negligence Claim
If you are dealing with cauda equina syndrome as a result of clinical negligence, you can file a cauda equina compensation claim. Reach out to our medical negligence solicitors who can provide the support and guidance you need. We will work with you every step of the way to ensure you get the compensation you deserve and help you move forward with your life.
Call 01-6144565 today for expert advice on the next steps.
Under What Circumstances Can I Make a Claim for Compensation?
You may have grounds for a medical negligence claim if cauda equina syndrome resulted from clinical negligence, such as:
- Failure to Diagnose: The condition was not identified by the medical professional.
- Misdiagnosis: The condition was incorrectly identified as another ailment.
- Delayed diagnosis: The diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome was made too late.
Inadequate Treatment: Proper medical procedures and treatments were not provided, leading to worsening of the condition. - Surgical Errors: Mistakes during surgery caused compressive issues affecting the cauda equina nerves.
In Ireland, you have two years from the date when you discover that you are suffering from cauda equina syndrome to make a cauda equina compensation claim. To pursue a claim, gather medical notes and records and seek legal advice from our cauda equina syndrome claims solicitors to understand your options better.
Claiming Compensation for Cauda Equina Injury
Resulting from Medical Negligence
The compensation for cauda equina injuries caused by medical negligence is not expressly stated in Irish law. However, the Personal Injuries Guidelines by the Judicial Council provides a framework for the calculation of damages for various levels of back injuries with various effects on the body. While cauda equina injury is not a back injury per se, its effects are identical to the effects of back injuries recognised in the Guidelines. So, the factors influencing compensation for back injuries and the estimated damages stated in the Guidelines may be referred to when calculating how much you can claim for a cauda equina injury in Ireland.
Factors Influencing Compensation
In claims involving cauda equina syndrome, the compensation awarded to the plaintiff will depend on several factors:
- Age: Younger people might receive more compensation because the injury affects them over a longer period.
- Severity and Duration: The seriousness of the injury and how long you’ve been suffering are key considerations. This includes pain, mobility issues, and other symptoms.
- Medical Treatment: The type and extent of medical care or surgery you have needed and may need in the future are important.
- Work Impact: How the injury has affected your job and ability to earn a living will influence compensation.
- Quality of Life: If the injury has prevented you from enjoying hobbies or daily activities, this will be taken into account.
- Personal Relationships: The effect of the injury on your relationships with family and friends is considered.
- Emotional and Psychological Impact: Compensation may include considerations for depression and anxiety related to your injury.
- Future Outlook: Your long-term prognosis and any permanent disabilities will also play a role.
Compensation for Cauda Equina Syndrome
- Most Severe Cauda Equina Injuries: These may lead to permanent or long-term spinal cord damage, severe pain, partial paralysis, and loss of bowel and bladder control. Compensation for these injuries ranges from €150,000 to €300,000 for general damages according to the personal injuries guidelines for sever back injuries which fall short of paralysis but involve damage to the spinal cord and nerve roots leading to serious consequences. Incontinence depending on severity ranges from €55,000 to €250,000. On top of this you will recover for loss of earnings and future work prospects, future care, aids and devices, medical care, architectural changes to your home and anything else that is required to help you live a relatively normal life. Your claim could be anywhere between 1 to 5 million depending on your circumstances.
- Severe and Serious Cauda Equina Injuries: These include damage to the nerve roots with symptoms like mobility issues and psychological impacts. Compensation typically ranges from €90,000 to €140,000.
Why Choose Our Cauda Equina Syndrome Claims Solicitors?
Our solicitors know the substantial damages that can result from the negligent treatment of this serious condition, and they will work hard to get you:
- Coverage for medical expenses that can total into the millions of euros, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
- Compensation for lost earnings and impairment to your future earning potential.
- Monetary damages for pain and suffering experienced by you and your family.
- Support for rehabilitation, including payment for prosthetics and other assistive devices.
- Coverage for home modifications needed to make your living space accessible.
- Support for the costs of professional caretakers needed to help you live your daily life.
Symptoms and Causes of Cauda Equina Syndrome
Symptoms
The typical signs of Cauda Equina Syndrome include:
- Intense lower back pain
- Numbness or tingling in the lower extremities, especially the groin area
- Weakness in the legs or difficulty walking
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Dysfunction of sexual organs
Do Cauda Equina Symptoms Differ Between Cases?
Yes, symptom variation is contingent on the magnitude and locus of nerve compression. While some individuals may only experience mild problems, others are dramatically affected and even face life-altering difficulties. Timely diagnosis with subsequent treatment is incredibly important in preventing long-lasting injuries.
If you or someone you love has developed cauda equina syndrome due to medical negligence, contact us. We’re dedicated to helping you understand your situation and work toward the compensation you deserve.
What Causes Cauda Equina Syndrome?
Cauda equina syndrome occurs when the nerves at the lower end of the spinal cord, the cauda equina, are compressed. This compression can be caused by several factors, including:
- Herniated Discs: A herniated or slipped disc in the lower back can press on the cauda equina nerves.
- Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal can compress the cauda equina.
- Trauma to the Lower Back: Injuries from car accidents, falls, or direct blows can damage or compress the cauda equina nerves.
- Tumours: Growths in the lower spine can press on the cauda equina.
- Infections: Spinal infections can lead to nerve compression.
- Surgical Complications: Mistakes during spinal surgery can compress the nerves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Doctors may fail to diagnose cauda equina syndrome due to:
- Symptom Similarities: The symptoms can mimic other conditions like sciatica or lower back pain, leading to misdiagnosis.
- Inadequate Examination: Insufficient exams may fail to reveal the true condition.
Traumatic injuries can cause cauda equina syndrome in these situations:
- Bony fragments from the lower spine compressing the nerves due to accidents.
- Motor vehicle accidents causing significant lower spine damage.
- Severe falls leading to compression of the cauda equina.
- Direct hits to the lower back.
Cauda equina syndrome can be life-altering if not treated quickly and is considered a spinal emergency. “Red flag” symptoms that require immediate medical care include:
- Sudden and severe lower back pain
- Numbness and tingling in the saddle area (inner thighs, groin, and buttocks)
- Sudden loss of bowel or bladder control
- Leg weakness
Talk to our Cauda Equina Claim Solicitors Today
If you believe that medical negligence or Trauma caused by another person’s negligence led to your cauda equina syndrome, it’s important to take action. First, speak with our cauda equina syndrome solicitors. We will help you understand your situation and guide you through the legal process. Next, gather all relevant medical notes and records, medical reports, and any documentation that demonstrates how the injury has affected your life.
We will help you file the necessary paperwork to officially start your clinical negligence or personal injury claim. We’ll also negotiate with the responsible parties to secure a fair settlement and work to achieve the best possible outcome for you. If a settlement cannot be reached, your case might go to court, your legal team will represent you and present your case to the court. Contact us today to start the claims process.
Call us today to discuss your options.
If you are dealing with a legal issue, our solicitors will be happy to speak with you about your options You can contact us by phone on 01-6144565 or call to visit us at 149 James’s Street, Dublin 8. Telephone: 01 614 465 Email: info@mks.ie