Cauda Equina Syndrome Lawyers

Cauda equina syndrome is a rare, severe form of spinal stenosis that occurs when the nerve roots at the lower end of the spinal cord are compressed. It is a serious medical condition that requires immediate attention.

Cauda equina syndrome can be caused by anything that leads to the compression or damage of the nerve roots at the lower end of the spinal cord. This includes spinal tumors, infections, and malformations. It also includes traumatic injuries that may be sustained through:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents
• Dangerous or Defective Products
• Slip and Fall Accidents
• Amusement Park Accidents
• Violent Attacks

In some cases, cauda equina syndrome is caused by medical malpractice as well. This can include issues such as failure to diagnose the syndrome and surgical mistakes during spinal procedures.

At The Haynes Firm, we understand the devastating impact of injuries caused by someone else’s negligence or exacerbated by medical malpractice. Our experienced Tennessee cauda equina syndrome Lawyers have decades of experience investigating these cases, ensuring that victims of serious injury and medical negligence receive the compensation and justice they truly deserve.

If you have been diagnosed with cauda equina syndrome and you believe medical malpractice or a traumatic accident played a role, we are here to help. Call The Haynes Firm at 423-928-0165 to schedule a FREE consultation at our Johnson City office to learn more about your legal rights and options.

What are the Symptoms of Cauda Equina Syndrome?

The symptoms of cauda equina syndrome can vary in intensity and degree, but are typically painful and pronounced. They may include:

• Severe Lower Back Pain. Continuous or episodic pain in the lower back, particularly following a spinal cord injury or medical procedure, is often the first indication of cauda equina syndrome.
• Muscle Weakness and Numbness in the Lower Extremities: Significant weakness and numbness caused by cauda equina syndrome can lead to difficulty moving or controlling the legs. It may even result in complete paralysis.
• Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction: The loss of bladder or bowel control can manifest as incontinence or retention, both of which are indicators of nerve damage that may be related to cauda equina syndrome.
• Loss of Sensation in the Saddle Area: The saddle area—the area that would typically contact a saddle when riding a horse—includes the buttocks, genitals, and thighs. Loss of sensation in this area is particularly indicative of cauda equina syndrome.
• Severe Radiating Leg Pain: Sharp or stabbing pain that radiates from the lower back and through the legs can be debilitating and significantly impair quality of life when caused by cauda equina syndrome.
• Sexual Dysfunction: Cauda equina syndrome affects nerves in the lumbar region, which can lead to problems with sexual function.
• Reflex Changes: Reduced or absent reflexes in the lower extremities are often a signifier of nerve impairment, which may be related to cauda equina syndrome.

Symptoms of cauda equina syndrome should not be ignored. Even when minor, these symptoms are often the results of an underlying medical issue that requires immediate attention. Delayed treatment can result in permanent damage, making early diagnosis and intervention essential.

Is Cauda Equina Syndrome Commonly Misdiagnosed?

Cauda equina syndrome may share symptoms with several other neurological and spinal cord concerns. The similarity in symptoms often leads to delayed, missed, or incorrect diagnoses, all of which can delay appropriate treatment and exacerbate the severity of the condition.

Some of the common conditions that cauda equina syndrome is mistaken for include:

• Lumbar Disc Herniation
• Spinal Stenosis
• Sciatica
• Degenerative Disc Disease
• Infections Like Meningitis

Due to the diverse nature of its symptoms, cauda equina syndrome may also be misdiagnosed as conditions such as peripheral neuropathy and primary polydipsia. In some cases, it is even mistaken for a psychological disorder.

The consequences of misdiagnosing cauda equina syndrome can be dire, leading to permanent nerve damage, chronic pain, and paralysis when not treated promptly and correctly. This is why healthcare professionals must consider the syndrome when patients are experiencing relevant symptoms—especially when the symptoms are severe and acute.

At The Haynes Firm, our attorneys recognize the importance of the accurate and timely diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome, and are committed to advocating for people who have suffered the consequences of misdiagnoses and other types of medical malpractice. Bringing extensive legal knowledge and empathetic understanding to each case, we work to ensure that our clients receive the justice and compensation they rightfully deserve.

Why You Might Need a Cauda Equina Syndrome Lawyer

When cauda equina syndrome results from someone else’s negligence—whether it’s malpractice or a serious accident—it’s a good idea to discuss your case with an experienced attorney to understand all of your rights and options. Insurance companies may be very quick to offer a settlement in these cases, knowing that as soon as you accept their offer, you are prevented from taking legal action. By talking to one of our lawyers first, you can get a better understanding of what your claim might be worth and, armed with that knowledge, be rightfully empowered to make the best decision for your needs.

The Johnson City cauda equina syndrome lawyers at The Haynes Firm, use our collective 70 years of legal experience handling medical malpractice and personal injury claims in Tennessee to build strong cases on behalf of our clients. As competent negotiators and proven litigators, we are prepared to take your case as far as necessary in our pursuit of justice. With us, you are not just a case number, you’re a valuable human being whose story deserves to be heard and fought for. When you need a dedicated and knowledgeable cauda equina syndrome lawyer, we’re here to fight for you, every step of the way.

Contact Our Tennessee Cauda Equina Syndrome Lawyers for a FREE Consultation

If you have been diagnosed with cauda equina syndrome after a medical procedure or accident, or if your diagnosis of the syndrome was delayed due to misdiagnosis, The Haynes Firm is ready to help. Contact us online or call our Johnson City office right away to schedule your FREE and confidential case review. We welcome clients from Kingsport, Greenville, and all nearby areas of Tennessee.