Maine Cauda Equina Syndrome Malpractice Attorneys

Berman & Simmons is Maine’s preeminent law firm for victims of medical negligence who are living with serious, life-changing injuries caused by cauda equina syndrome (CES). This condition typically results from damage to the bundle of nerves that extends from the base of the spinal cord. The nerves look like a horse’s tail; cauda equina literally means "horse’s tail" in Latin. CES symptoms, however, can be caused by injury to the spinal cord at any level. CES can leave people to deal with irreversible consequences such as chronic pain, mobility issues, incontinence, impaired sexual function, and loss of independence. 

If you or a loved one is suffering from complications stemming from CES, you are likely facing significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens. With a legacy of success spanning over a century, you can confidently turn to Berman & Simmons for help seeking justice and proper compensation. Our trial-tested legal team has achieved numerous multi-million-dollar recoveries in CES cases. Find out how we can support and advocate for you in a free consultation. 

Call (207) 417-4199 to speak with our Maine cauda equina syndrome malpractice lawyers. Initial consultations are free, and we can conduct them virtually. This makes it simple to partner with us, no matter where you are in Maine's sixteen counties or beyond.

The Consequences of Delayed Treatment or Diagnosis of Cauda Equina Syndrome

CES is a serious condition that requires decisive action and careful treatment. When medical providers delay diagnosis or mismanage treatment, the consequences can be devastating. 

Here are some common examples of medical negligence that can lead to CES:

Delayed Recognition

CES symptoms can show up as back pain (sometimes radiating to the abdomen), numbness in the legs or saddle area, urinary retention, bowel dysfunction, incontinence, leg weakness, and paralysis. Early recognition and treatment are critical. Any delay in diagnosis can worsen nerve damage and make it permanent. 

CES is typically caused by spinal cord or nerve compression from: 

1. A herniated disc
2. A growing infection (called an “epidural abscess”)
3. A growing collection of blood (called a “hematoma”)
4. An enlarging spinal tumor

Typically, spinal imaging is necessary to show the cause. 

Delayed Diagnostic Testing or Failure to Order Diagnostic Testing

Doctors should order imaging tests such as MRIs to evaluate nerve compression. Failure to do so may result in treatment delays and permanent injury. All hospital emergency departments should, but often do not, have algorithms to clarify who needs spinal imaging. Many times, hospitals will improperly stage spinal imaging, performing an MRI on only one section of the spine, rather than the whole spine, wasting critical time. 

Surgical Errors

Mistakes during spinal or orthopedic surgeries can lead to trauma or increased pressure on the cauda equina nerves, causing permanent damage.

Mismanagement of Emergency Care

CES is a medical emergency often requiring immediate surgical intervention. Failing to address the condition urgently can result in severe and irreversible complications.

If you are dealing with the aftermath of CES after receiving inadequate medical care, you may have grounds for a malpractice claim. Do not hesitate to contact Berman & Simmons to learn about your legal options. 

Compensation for Damages Related to Cauda Equina Syndrome

Living with the impacts of CES not only requires changes to your lifestyle but also places significant financial demands on yourself and those you love. When our legal team handles these types of cases, we fight to recover maximum compensation to help clients focus on rebuilding their lives unhindered by financial worries. 

On your behalf, we can pursue compensation for the following and more:

• Medical expenses - This could include past and future costs such as hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitative therapy, mobility aids, and medications.
• Lost wages and earning capacity - CES often impacts your ability to work. Compensation may include wages lost during recovery as well as earnings you’ll no longer be able to make in the future.
• Pain and suffering - For the physical pain caused by CES and the emotional challenges it presents. 
• Loss of independence - Compensation for essential daily assistance or being unable to engage in activities that you previously enjoyed.
• Future care needs - Many clients with CES require long-term medical care, home accessibility modifications, or ongoing therapy. We can seek to cover these costs through legal action.