Question 1

What if my doctor said I just had a herniated disc?

Accepted Answer

A herniated disc can cause CES when large enough to compress multiple nerve roots. If you had a herniated disc diagnosis but also had bladder symptoms, saddle numbness, or bilateral leg weakness that were not investigated urgently, those symptoms may have been red flags for CES that were missed.

Question 2

Do I need all the red flag symptoms to have CES?

Accepted Answer

No. No single symptom reliably predicts or rules out CES on clinical grounds alone. Clinical guidelines consistently state that any combination of relevant red flags — particularly bladder symptoms with back or leg pain — mandates urgent MRI to rule CES in or out. A doctor cannot reliably exclude CES without imaging.

Question 3

What if my MRI was delayed by several days?

Accepted Answer

A delay in obtaining an emergency MRI in a patient with CES red flags is one of the most common and consequential failures in these cases. If your condition worsened during the time your MRI was being scheduled, that delay may be the central act of negligence in your claim.

Question 4

Can I have a claim if I eventually received surgery but still have permanent damage?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The question is whether timely surgery would have produced better neurological outcomes. If your diagnosis was delayed and you progressed from partial to complete CES during that delay, you may have a strong malpractice claim even if you ultimately received treatment.

Question 5

What does a CES malpractice case require to succeed in Florida?

Accepted Answer

You must establish that a doctor-patient relationship existed, that the physician's conduct fell below the accepted standard of care, that this breach caused your condition to worsen, and that you suffered real damages. Florida also requires a pre-suit investigation and a supporting affidavit from a qualified medical expert before a lawsuit can be filed.

Question 6

How soon do I need to act?

Accepted Answer

Florida's statute of limitations for medical malpractice is generally two years from negligent act. CES cases are medically complex and require expert review — the sooner you consult an attorney, the better your chances of building a strong case.

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