Failure to investigate/diagnose Cauda Equina Syndrome

Our client attended her local A&E with signs of Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES). These were noted by the A&E doctor and she was correctly referred to the orthopaedic team. There was a disagreement about the evidence for CES and a senior orthopaedic doctor was therefore involved.

He failed to examine our client or properly to question her, relying instead on a junior opinion that she did not have CES, even though this conflicted with other evidence. Our client was wrongly discharged and her condition worsened.

By the time she returned and was properly investigated, she had significant permanent nerve damage and is left with very serious disabilities, affecting her urinary and bowel function and limiting her mobility. She also suffered psychological symptoms and could not return to work. She now depends on others for much of her daily care. We settled the case shortly before trial, for £750,000.

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