Panel Members Assemble Amid Claims UK Has Highest incidence of CES

Irwin Mitchell has been appointed to a new legal panel established by the Cauda Equina Syndrome Association (CESA) with the aim of improving access to specialist advice and support for sufferers of a condition affecting potentially thousands of people throughout the UK.

As members of the legal panel, Irwin Mitchell will offer legal advice to those with Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) on a range of issues, from investigating medical negligence claims to obtain compensation to assist with rehabilitation and care needs, supporting sufferers with advice on welfare benefits, getting the support they need from statutory services, advice on employment and family issues and much more.    

Cauda Equina Syndrome is a serious condition that occurs when the nerves at the bottom of the spinal cord are compressed. This can lead to the ‘red flags’ of CES, including lower back pain, sciatica, leg weakness and bladder, bowel and sexual dysfunction. Anyone with symptoms should seek medical attention, particularly if pain is accompanied by tingling or numbness around the bottom and started after an accident.

Patients have the best chance of a full recovery if diagnosed as an emergency and treated within 24 hours. Ignored or misdiagnosed, the neurological effects of CES can be life changing. According to the CESA, more than 1,000 cases are recorded in UK spinal centres every year. The charity estimates there are three cases for each officially recorded, suggesting thousands are living with CES who may be entitled to help and compensation.

Expert Opinion

“Having been approached directly by CESA, we were delighted to accept their offer to join the legal panel. Having dealt with many CES cases over the years and seeing the impact that CES has on patients and their families alike, this is a natural next step. We are keen not only to assist people living with CES with legal matters by our dedicated spinal injury specialists across the UK but to continue to raise awareness of this condition and the need for an early diagnosis and treatment to achieve the best outcome for patients. We are committed at Irwin Mitchell through our work with charities such as CESA and our dedicated healthcare educational programme to do just that." Julianne Moore - Partner

Claire Thornber, founder of CESA, said: “We are delighted to have Irwin Mitchell on board. Our legal panel firms have been chosen for their expertise in dealing with CES cases, customer service, results and above all, passion for their clients. People living with CES need a care pathway to aid recovery and improve quality of life and our legal panel will enable us to direct them to the best places to find support and advice on issues that matter to them.  We welcome Irwin Mitchell’s support to continue to raise awareness of CES and the importance of an early diagnosis and treatment.”

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in handling Cauda Equina Syndrome cases