Cauda equnia syndrome and Illinois workers' compensation law firms
Cauda equina syndrome is one of the most life altering problems that an injured worker in Illinois can potentially face. In a nutshell, when you injure your back you can suffer a severe problem called a herniated disc. In rare cases these discs become compressed which causes a risk of permanent nerve damage known as cauda equna syndrome. If you get this it commonly lead to leg paralysis, and loss of bladder and bowel function.
I am writing about this because of the horrible experiences from a client of ours. He used to be a construction worker and originally hurt his back lifting sheet metal. Like many of our clients he tried to "tough things out" and unfortunately that is where the problem developed.
You have to be pretty tough to ignore the pain from cauda equina, but doing so puts you at great risk. In fact if it is not medically treated within 24 hours then it could become a lifelong problem for you.
If you notice loss of feeling in your back or legs or have stabbing, burning pain, get to an emergency room as soon as possible and insist on seeing an orthopedic surgeon right away. Doing so can be the difference between just a bad experience and a life of misery.
On a side note, cauda equina doesn't just start with a lifting injury. It can happen from trauma like getting rear-ended in a car accident or even (and often) as a result of a doctor's error in back surgery.
Again, don't keep your mouth shut if you have these problems. Please see a doctor before it is too late.
We are workers' compensation attorneys that help people with Illinois work injuries anywhere in IL via our statewide network of attorneys. Contact us and we will answer your questions or find the right lawyer for your situation.
