Compensation recovered following deficiencies in care resulting in cauda equina syndrome

Before his injury, our client worked as a mortgage adviser and had built a successful career. After developing cauda equina syndrome, he made considerable efforts to return to work but was unable to sustain the demands of his role and was ultimately forced to stop working altogether.

Cauda equina syndrome is a serious condition caused by pressure on the nerves at the base of the spine. Without prompt treatment, it can lead to permanent problems affecting bladder, bowel and sexual function.

The condition left our client with lasting physical consequences and created significant uncertainty about the future. Alongside managing the impact on his health, he faced concerns about supporting his family and maintaining financial stability.

Our client had experienced episodes of back pain for many years, but his condition gradually began to deteriorate. An MRI scan revealed a significant worsening of a prolapsed disc in his lower back. However, there were delays in reviewing the scan results and communicating the seriousness of the findings.

Although our client was told he would be referred to an orthopaedic consultant, his condition continued to worsen. His pain eventually became so severe that he required emergency hospital treatment and later underwent spinal decompression surgery.

The MRI scan showed that a large disc protrusion was compressing the cauda equina nerve roots. Despite the seriousness of the findings, there were delays in communicating the results and arranging the treatment our client needed. A referral to an orthopaedic consultant was intended but was never sent due to a systems error.

The claim highlighted how these failings delayed treatment and reduced the opportunity for our client to achieve a better outcome.

The Trust later admitted there had been an unacceptable delay in reporting the MRI scan and a failure to make the referral to the orthopaedic team. It was also accepted that, had these failures not occurred, our client would have undergone surgery before developing complete cauda equina syndrome.

The Trust also accepted that earlier treatment would have resulted in a better outcome in terms of bladder, bowel and sexual function.

Following these admissions, Maya Sushila focused on securing compensation that reflected the impact the injuries had on our client’s life, career and future. Following negotiations, the claim settled for several hundred thousand pounds before court proceedings were issued.

Reflecting on the outcome, our client thanked Maya Sushila for her support throughout the claim and the settlement she secured on his behalf.

Client comment

“I am writing to say thank you for all that you have done for me over the last three years or so. It seems difficult to put into words exactly how I feel, but I think it’s fair to say you have been so much more than just my solicitor.

Your expertise in clinical negligence has been truly outstanding and your professionalism absolutely first class. However, equally importantly you have been a confidante and a friend, consistently giving advice, support and belief all the way through what has been a difficult journey.

Now that journey is coming to an end I am so grateful for the skilfully negotiated settlement you have secured. Of course I would swap any settlement for my health back, but that can’t happen. Knowing that my financial future is secure and knowing that I can support my family and move on with my life means everything to me. Without you that would not have happened. Speaking to you was one of the best decisions I have ever made.”

A comment from their solicitor

“This was an interesting case as it was initially anticipated that concerns would relate to treatment later in the timeline rather than earlier in our client’s care. An early admission of responsibility led to a much swifter resolution of the claim, as efforts could then focus on securing the right outcome for our client. Despite his considerable efforts to return to work as a mortgage adviser, he was unable to sustain the level of work he had previously been able to do and ultimately had to stop working. Achieving this settlement means he can draw a line under a stressful legal process, knowing he has financial stability to support himself and his family.”