How long do you have to make a medical negligence claim?
In many cases the standard limitation period is three years, but the point at which those three years begin can vary and important exceptions may apply.
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Specialist claims
Cauda Equina Syndrome Claims
Cauda equina syndrome is a spinal emergency in which delay in recognising red-flag symptoms, arranging urgent imaging or obtaining surgical review can have serious consequences. A claim requires evidence that earlier appropriate care would probably have produced a better outcome.
SRA regulated solicitorsConfidential initial enquiryEvidence-led assessment
Quick check
Could this apply to you?
1
Red-flag symptoms may not have been recognised or escalated appropriately.
2
Urgent imaging, specialist review or treatment may have been delayed.
3
Earlier appropriate care may have resulted in a better outcome.
Last updated 6 August 2026
Understanding the claim
What can amount to cauda equina syndrome?
A poor outcome alone does not prove negligence. The investigation considers what a reasonably competent healthcare professional should have done and whether any failure made a material difference to the outcome.
Red-flag symptoms not recognised
This can justify investigation depending on the clinical circumstances, available evidence and harm caused.
Failure to perform or document an appropriate neurological assessment
This can justify investigation depending on the clinical circumstances, available evidence and harm caused.
Delayed MRI or other urgent imaging
This can justify investigation depending on the clinical circumstances, available evidence and harm caused.
Delayed referral to spinal or neurosurgical services
This can justify investigation depending on the clinical circumstances, available evidence and harm caused.
Failure to escalate worsening bladder, bowel or saddle symptoms
This can justify investigation depending on the clinical circumstances, available evidence and harm caused.
Delay in decompression where urgent surgery was indicated
This can justify investigation depending on the clinical circumstances, available evidence and harm caused.
Evidence
How a cauda equina syndrome claim may be investigated
Relevant evidence depends on the circumstances. Common sources include:
01
GP, emergency and hospital records
The evidence is considered alongside the chronology and appropriate independent expert opinion.
02
Neurological examination records
The evidence is considered alongside the chronology and appropriate independent expert opinion.
03
MRI and other imaging
The evidence is considered alongside the chronology and appropriate independent expert opinion.
04
Spinal, neurosurgical and causation expert evidence
The evidence is considered alongside the chronology and appropriate independent expert opinion.
The process
What happens after an initial enquiry
- 01
Initial enquiry
Tell us what happened, when the treatment took place and how you were affected.
- 02
Early assessment
The key facts, limitation position and whether further investigation may be appropriate are considered.
- 03
Records & evidence
Relevant medical records, chronology and evidence of any financial losses may be obtained.
- 04
Expert review
Appropriate independent experts may address breach of duty, causation, condition and prognosis.
- 05
Claim & negotiation
Where the evidence supports a claim, the relevant defendant can be notified and liability or settlement discussed.
- 06
Resolution
The matter may conclude by agreement or, where necessary, through the court process.
Compensation
What can compensation take into account?
There is no reliable generic calculator for medical negligence. Where liability is established, compensation can reflect the individual injury and financial consequences supported by evidence.
- Pain, suffering and loss of amenity
- Past and future loss of earnings
- Care and assistance
- Rehabilitation and treatment
- Equipment, travel or accommodation needs
- Other reasonable losses caused by the injury
Start an enquiry
Tell us what happened.
Questions answered
Cauda Equina Syndrome FAQs
What symptoms can be relevant to a cauda equina claim?
The clinical assessment is fact-specific, but the investigation commonly considers red-flag symptoms such as bladder or bowel disturbance, saddle sensory change, bilateral leg symptoms or significant neurological deterioration.
Does a delayed MRI automatically mean negligence?
No. The timing, symptoms, examination findings and likely effect of earlier imaging or surgery all need to be assessed by appropriate experts.
Related guidance
Useful medical negligence guides
How medical negligence claims work
A plain-English overview of breach of duty, causation, medical records, expert evidence and the main stages of a claim.
Read guide →
Can you claim for an A&E misdiagnosis?
Key considerations where emergency care failed to recognise, investigate or appropriately respond to a serious condition.
Read guide →Free initial enquiry
Talk to us about a potential cauda equina syndrome claim.
Tell us what happened and our team can explain the next steps.