Your Back Pain Could Mean More Than You Think

More than a few Oregon doctors have been known to dismiss a patient’s complaint of back pain rather than accurately assessing the situation through a thorough examination or testing. If this has happened to you, and your untreated or undiagnosed cauda equina syndrome became a permanent disability — a condition marked by loss of bowel and bladder control or even paralysis — you have rights that must be protected.

The Law Office of Robert A. Miller is here to protect those rights in Eugene, greater Portland and throughout Oregon.

We have displayed proven legal skills, utmost compassion for our clients’ situations and a recognized reputation for results. We work hard to win the maximum financial compensation you deserve so you have the financial support you need to recover, and we will meet with you at your home or hospital room so that you can focus on your health.

The Causes Of Cauda Equina Syndrome

The cauda equina consists of a bundle of nerves at the base of the spine that, when compressed, cause severe pain in the lower back and buttocks, and down the back of the legs. Over time, symptoms may increase to include loss of sensitivity or numbness in the groin, muscle weakness in the legs and incontinence. Cauda equina syndrome can result from a number of causes, including:

• Cancer
• Meningiomas
• Metastatic tumors
• Spinal bleeding
• Spinal stenosis
• Surgical error
• Infection
• Herniated disks
• Neoplasms

If untreated, the compressed nerves can be damaged or cease to function. When this occurs, cauda equina syndrome can lead to serious injury, permanent disability or death. Your doctor is trained to recognize symptoms of cauda equina syndrome. He or she knows that certain tests should be conducted and treatments prescribed.

When trusted health care professionals fail to follow these protocols and training fundamentals, the delayed diagnosis, misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose can have a permanent negative impact on you.

Holding Medical Professionals Accountable

We believe that too many patient disabilities, catastrophic injuries and wrongful deaths have resulted from medical negligence in Oregon, and we are dedicated to holding medical professionals accountable for their carelessness. To discuss your doctor’s failure to diagnose cauda equina syndrome, call us at 541-359-4331 or contact us online with an email.

Our law firm handles all medical malpractice cases on a contingency fee basis – you owe no attorney fee unless we win your case.