Doctors’ failure to spot Cauda Equina Syndrome left Steve* with life-changing medical issues. We helped Steve get a six-figure settlement to help him with his rehabilitation and enjoy his retirement.
What Happened To Steve?
Steve had recently retired from his role as a music teacher and was looking forward to the future. While on holiday, he started experiencing twinges in his back. The twinges worsened over the next couple of days. Steve then started having issues walking and urinating.
The pain reached a level that Steve could no longer cope with. He phoned 999 and an ambulance took him to A&E at the University Hospital Coventry. Doctors told him that he likely had a sciatic nerve problem and to see his GP if he wasn’t better in a week.
Steve returned home but needed help walking around the house and was unable to use the stairs. The pain also made it uncomfortable to sleep.
Steve went to his GP, who advised him to go straight to A&E. This time, Steve went to Leicester Royal Infirmary. An MRI scan showed Steve had Cauda Equina Syndrome, a compression of the spinal cord. He had to have emergency surgery which reduced the compression on the spine.
How Steve’s Injuries Affected His Life
Instead of making the most of his retirement, Steve spent the first weeks ill. Failure to investigate his symptoms led to a seven-day delay in Steve having surgery.
Steve has restricted mobility, intermittent self-catheterisation to help urinate and a neurogenic bowl that helps empty is colon. These injuries have turned Steve’s life and retirement plans upside down.
Helping Steve Get The Compensation He Needed
Steve came to us with the hope of securing compensation for the failure to spot the illness.
He worked with one of our specialist medical negligence lawyers, Luke Daniels. Luke had to prove the failure by the doctors at the University Hospital Coventry resulted in Steve’s medical issues.
After Luke’s work, Steve received a six-figure compensation settlement. The money will help Steve with his rehabilitation. It'll also let Steve enjoy his retirement as planned.
On Steve’s situation, Luke said: “The past few years have been incredibly difficult for Steve, firstly developing Cauda Equina Syndrome and then being left with ongoing issues after this was not diagnosed and operated on. While there is nothing we can do to turn back the clock and change what Steve has gone through, it’s vital that lessons are learned to help prevent others from suffering like he has.”
Get In Touch
If you or a loved one has suffered due to medical negligence, our specialist teams could help you to claim compensation.
Call our experts free on 0808 231 1840 or you can request a call back and we’ll contact you as soon as possible.
* Not actual name used to protect our client’s identity.
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