Record Cauda Equina Compensation in England and Wales Achieved

Hugh Johnson

Record Cauda Equina Syndrome compensation secured after delayed treatment

Hugh Johnson, Head of Medical Negligence at Osbornes Law, acted on behalf of Mary, a 38 year old who worked in media and sustained a spinal injury as a result of a delay in treating Cauda Equina Syndrome.

The damages award, which is expected to exceed £6m, is believed to be the largest damages settlement in England and Wales for a Cauda Equina injury.

Background

Mary had a history of mild back pain and had undergone surgery in the past. One morning she awoke with acute pain and had difficulty walking and getting down the stairs. She called an ambulance and was taken to the hospital. Although a junior doctor considered Cauda Equina Syndrome (a compression of the nerves at the base of the spinal cord) no scan was performed. In the hours that followed, irreparable damage was done to the spinal nerves, resulting in Mary losing much of her bladder, bowel and sexual functions. Subsequent surgery did not lead to any significant improvement in her condition. Mary was initially fully wheelchair dependent, but made some progress and is now able to walk shorter distances with a stick.

Legal Investigations

The Defendant hospital accepted that there were delays with Mary’s treatment, but denied that this made any difference to the eventual outcome, other than to cause some additional pain. An early liability trial was requested to try and speed up the litigation process and to secure interim funds for Mary. Little more than a month before the liability trial, the Defendant accepted 95% liability for Mary’s injuries. From that stage it was possible for Hugh to request interim payments for Mary. During the claim, Mary received over £320,000 in interim payments to fund her care and physiotherapy.

Following the liability settlement, the Claimant and Defendant parties instructed a team of experts to value Mary’s case and to understand her care, accommodation and therapy needs. Given her young age, it was also essential to quantify the impact her injury caused to her earnings potential. The expert evidence was that although very independent at present, Mary was likely to need substantial support as she got older. The costs for that support needed to be projected over her anticipated life. In turn, this resulted in a larger claim than is often seen for Cauda Equina injuries.

Settlement

Mary’s case continued to be contested robustly throughout. In June 2025, little more than 4 weeks prior to a final trial, terms were agreed with the Defendant that will see Mary receive substantial damages. The lump sum element of her award will be sufficient to purchase an adapted property. The additional annual inflation-linked payments to meet her care will ensure that she can fund her care for the rest of her life. The capitalised total value of the award, is expected to be in excess of £6 million.

Mary is already exploring the purchase of a new build property, which can be adapted now to be “future-proof” for her needs as she gets older.

How can we help?

Mary’s case is a powerful example of the expertise and dedication that Hugh Johnson, brings to every client. His strategic approach, deep legal insight, and unwavering commitment secured one of the largest Cauda Equina settlements in England and Wales, ensuring Mary’s long-term care and independence. If you or a loved one has experienced medical negligence, Osbornes Law offers the compassionate support and specialist knowledge needed to fight for justice and life-changing results. Contact our expert medical negligence solicitors by:

• Filling in our online enquiry form; or
• Calling us on 020 7485 8811