Medical Negligence Lawyers Secure Settlement For Man Diagnosed With Serious Spinal Condition

A dad diagnosed with a debilitating spinal condition two days after being sent home from hospital with painkillers has revealed the life-changing impact it’s had on his family.  

Serhan Yildirimlar, aged 31, was taken by ambulance to North Middlesex University Hospital on 20 January, 2019, a day after suffering back pain while taking rubbish to the tip. 

He was unable to get out bed, was complaining of severe pain and that he could not feel anything from the waist down. Serhan, of Edmonton, North London, had also passed no urine and had been constipated since the night before. 

Edmonton dad Serhan sent home from hospital

Following an assessment, a doctor suspected Serhan had sciatica. He was sent home hours later with painkillers. No MRI was performed. 

Once home, his symptoms continued. Serhan, who was previously fit and healthy and who would regularly go to the gym, was unable to get off the sofa.   

Serhan diagnosed with cauda equina syndrome after being re-admitted to hospital

His concerned relatives took him to another hospital on 22 January, 2019. Following an MRI scan, Serhan was diagnosed with cauda equina syndrome (CES) – a serious condition that occurs when the nerves at the bottom of the spinal cord are compressed.

He underwent decompression surgery on his spine hours later. Serhan missed the birth of his daughter because he was recovering in hospital following surgery.

Medical negligence lawyers secure settlement for Serhan 

Following his diagnosis, Serhan, instructed expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate and help him access the specialist life-time support, rehabilitation and therapies he requires. 

Serhan has now spoken for the first time about the impact his condition has had on his family. He has joined his legal team at Irwin Mitchell in using Cauda Equina Awareness Day to raise awareness of the signs of CES and the importance of swift diagnosis and treatment. 

It comes after Irwin Mitchell secured an undisclosed out of court settlement for Serhan from North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust, which denied liability. 

Saydie Farrell is the specialist medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, representing Serhan.

Expert Opinion

“Cauda equina syndrome is an incredibly serious condition. It can lead to life-changing health problems, therefore should be classed as a medical emergency.

“It’s our view that when Serhan was first admitted to hospital, he was showing red flag symptoms of CES, and with further investigations, this would have been diagnosed.

“Understandably coming to terms with his diagnosis and the life-changing impact it’s had on Serhan and his family has been incredibly difficult.

“While the settlement means Serhan can access the specialist ongoing therapies he needs, nothing can make up for what he’s been through.

“He’s shown great courage in sharing his story in the hope of helping others. We join Serhan in warning of the dangers of CES and how early detection and treatment is vital.” Saydie Farrell

Cauda equina syndrome: Serhan Yildirimlar's story

Serhan continues to suffer symptoms, including urinary problems, numbness and mobility difficulties. He lives in pain and requires a stick to walk outside the home. He has been unable to return to work in his full capacity as a security operations supervisor, and he now must work from home. He is unable to look after his daughter, Gunes, now aged five. 

Serhan - who still needs help to get dressed and with his personal care -  had to move back to his parents’ home so they can help care for him and their granddaughter.

He said: “The pain I was suffering was excruciating. I’d never felt anything like it. It was that bad I was drifting in and out of consciousness. 

“I thought my condition was too serious to be discharged from hospital and once home nothing improved. The pain persisted and was getting worse. 

“When I underwent an MRI was told I had cauda equina syndrome and needed urgent surgery I couldn’t  believe it.

“I can’t thank the surgeons enough for what they did, however, once home from hospital, it wasn’t like I had to rest up for a week or two and things would get back to normal. 

“Gunes was born whilst I was in hospital recovering from surgery. What should have been such a happy time bonding with her was totally overshadowed by what I was going through. 

“I went from being independent and providing for my family to someone totally reliant on others. Even now five years on I’m reliant on my family. I continue to live with symptoms and pain. 

“I know I can’t change what happened. I just hope that something is learned from my story to prevent others from going through what I have. 

“I’d never heard of cauda equina before any of this, but I now know just how serious it is. It’s important everyone, not just the doctors, know what to look out for.”

Red flag symptoms of CES

Red flag symptoms of cauda equina include lower back pain, weakness, numbness or pain down one or both legs, loss of feeling between the legs, bladder and bowel issues, numbness or tingling around the bottom and sexual dysfunction. 

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting people affected by CES at our dedicated cauda equina syndrome section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.

Cauda Equina Awareness Day is on 1 October. More information is available on the Cauda Equina Champions Charity website.