3c Birth Tears and Compensation for Repair Delays
3c birth tear negligence may justify a claim for compensation for the consequences of debilitating symptoms.
3c birth tears
A 3C birth tear is a severe injury which causes damage to both the internal and external muscles which control a woman's bowel movements.
Loss of function of these vital muscles can leave a woman with on-going wind and faecal incontinence.
A delay in carrying out a surgical repair can mean that the chance of recovery is compromised and may justify a claim for compensation if the new mother suffers disabling symptoms.
An early diagnosis, leading to a prompt, comprehensive and effective repair is essential to give a woman the best chance of a continent and confident future.
Medical care and diagnosis negligence
Ideally, if a woman has given birth to her baby through her vagina, she needs to be very thoroughly examined by the medical professionals who have attended the birth. This should take place as soon as possible following the delivery of the baby and should include a digital rectal examination whereby a healthcare professional inserts a gloved finger into the anus to assess the condition of the anal sphincter.
Without such an examination, a 3c tear may be missed.
Failure to diagnose
If a severe tear passes unnoticed by the medical professionals present at a vaginal birth, the new mother may receive no repair to her anal sphincter at all.
It may be that a sufficient examination has not taken place.
Alternatively, it may be that an examination has taken place but that the relevant professional has not had the knowledge or training to make an accurate diagnosis.
A failure to diagnose a severe injury such as a 3c tear may be regarded as negligent and may justify a claim for compensation.
Misdiagnosis
Occasionally, an examination takes place and a diagnosis of an anal sphincter injury is made but the severity and extent of the tear is missed by the maternity professional.
This may result in only a partial repair and may unfortunately delay an accurate diagnosis and the execution of the full surgical repair necessary to prevent long-term symptoms.
Claiming compensation
The permanent symptoms which can be the result of a delay in diagnosis and repair of a 3c birth tear can be devastating and life-changing.
Speak to a legal specialist if you are struggling with the appalling symptoms of wind and faecal incontinence. It may be possible to claim compensation for the impact such as a loss of income due to the effects of your symptoms.
Glynns Solicitors is a specialist medical negligence legal practice with long-standing experience in severe birth tear claims.
Contact is today to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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