Our client, Lauren, sustained a spinal injury following the failure by her GP to recognise and treat symptoms known to be red flags for Cauda Equina Syndrome. Acting on Lauren’s behalf, Stewarts entered judgment against the defendant and obtained initial interim damages of £150,000. Senior associate Carly Ward then helped Lauren secure a life-changing sum of £3m. In this article, Iain Dodd, Carly Ward and Amber Hussain outline Lauren’s legal claim and what the settlement means for her and her family.
What is Cauda Equina Syndrome?
Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) is a serious neurological condition caused by the compression of nerves in the lower part of the spine, which can lead to permanent damage if not investigated, diagnosed and treated quickly.
There are clear ‘red flag’ symptoms of CES, which should result in urgent medical assessment and MRI scanning, and may require emergency decompression surgery.
You can read more about CES and the red flag symptoms here.
Background to the case
Lauren had a history of back pain dating from 2000 and had previously been diagnosed with sciatica.
In 2018, Lauren had two accidental falls within a few days of each other. She sustained immediate lower back pain but continued with her daily life, taking painkillers, until she collapsed at work with her legs giving way. This resulted in her arranging an emergency GP appointment, where she was prescribed painkillers and diazepam for spasms in her lower back.
Around two weeks after the first of the falls, Lauren woke up for the toilet but was unable to pass urine. She also felt numb from the waist down. She returned to her GP, who prescribed further painkillers but arranged a non-urgent MRI scan.
Although Lauren presented with clear CES symptoms, the GP failed to appreciate the significance of the new neurological signs, which weren’t present a week earlier. While the appointment should have prompted emergency medical assessment and intervention, it wasn’t until a medically trained acquaintance saw Lauren, commented on her gait and urged her to seek urgent attention that action was taken.
Lauren contacted the hospital and arranged to have her MRI scan brought forward. Two days after her scan, the GP advised Lauren to attend A&E immediately. Lauren attended the A&E department on the same day and, later that afternoon, was transferred to a specialist hospital for emergency decompression surgery.
Injuries
Lauren lives with permanent foot drop and weakness of her ankle and gluteal muscles. This affects her balance and gait. She also has ongoing numbness and pain in her right leg and foot, along with episodes of back pain and stiffness. Her bladder is also affected, as she now has permanent urge incontinence.
At the time of her injury, Lauren had two young children. She had to rely on them, along with other family members, to assist with her day-to-day care following her surgery. Lauren tried to return to work, but due to her injury, she was unable to do so.
The legal case
The defendant made a full admission of breach of duty but only a partial admission in relation to causation. At the time, an interim payment of £150,000 was secured for Lauren. The funds were vital in ensuring Lauren received support and assistance while her claim was ongoing.
Witness evidence was obtained from Lauren, her mother and her friends in relation to the impact of Lauren’s injury on all aspects of her daily life.
Stewarts instructed a range of experts specialising in care, physiotherapy, psychology and pain management. The experts assessed Lauren and reported on her future needs. An accommodation expert also assessed the suitability of Lauren’s property and her future accommodation needs.
Conclusion
In December 2024, a £3m settlement was reached at a joint settlement meeting.
Although Lauren will continue to live with pain and struggle day-to-day, her compensation will enable her to access private care and treatment to allow her to live a more comfortable life, both physically and emotionally. Lauren has also been able to purchase a property better suited to her needs.
Client testimonial
Lauren says:
“The whole team at Stewarts from day one provided me with such genuine care, reassurance and professionalism. I knew throughout the whole process that I was in good hands with Carly Ward.
“Their dedication to my case and meticulous work ethic meant I was eventually awarded a settlement sum that was fair and deserved.
“Our team of barristers, William Audland KC and Thea Wilson, were outstanding, and without their superior knowledge and professionalism, we wouldn’t have got the result we hoped for.
“Stewarts has honestly changed my family’s life, and I’m looking forward to a more positive future.”
How Stewarts can assist you
Our Medical Negligence team specialises in supporting people who have sustained a serious injury such as a spinal cord injury, amputation, brain injury or birth injury, as well as supporting families with fatal claims. Our team has extensive experience in assisting people with CES. To discuss the prospects of a successful claim, please contact us today or complete our online enquiry form.
