CONFIDENTIAL POLICY LIMITS SETTLEMENT FOR DEVELOPMENT OF CAUDA EQUINA SYNDROME

CONFIDENTIAL POLICY LIMITS SETTLEMENT FOR DEVELOPMENT OF CAUDA EQUINA SYNDROME CAUSED BY SURGEON’S FAILURE TO APPROPRIATELY ADDRESS POST-OPERATIVE COMPLICATION.

John underwent a laminectomy at a Philadelphia Hospital to address a herniated disc. In the immediate post-operative period, he experienced classic signs of cauda equina syndrome, including difficulty urinating and moving his bowels, as well as increased numbness in his genital area and weakness of his legs, resulting in an inability to stand or walk. Despite an MRI that exhibited concern for a hematoma or collection of blood compressing his spine and a clinical picture consistent with cauda equina syndrome, a true neurosurgical emergency, his surgeon failed to take John back to the Operating Room to relieve the pressure on his spine until the 5^th post-operative day. As a result of the surgeon’s delay in addressing the cauda equina syndrome, John experienced profound and life-altering permanent deficits, including persistent pain, an inability to control his bladder and bowel function, to walk without the aid of an assistive device, or to fully function in the role of father and spouse. Stephen Raynes and his team were able to secure the available insurance policy limits — a settlement of $1 million for John and his family.