3rd and 4th Degree Tear Negligence & Claiming Compensation
3rd and 4th degree tears after vaginal childbirth can cause devastating damage without prompt and effective medical intervention. A failure to diagnose or repair such an injury may justify a claim for compensation.
Severe perineal birth tears
Perineal birth tears are classified according to their severity, both in terms of the extent of the damage and the associated symptoms. The most severe tears are described as 3rd and 4th degree tears, classified in the following way:
In addition to tearing the muscle across the perineum:
- A 3a tear will damage less than 50% of the external anal sphincter
- A 3b tear will damage more than 50% of the external anal sphincter
- A 3c tear will extend through the external anal sphincter into the internal anal sphincter
- A 4th degree tear will also cause damage to the lining of the anal canal
The anal sphincter is the muscles, both external and internal, which control and prevent bowel movement. If these muscles are damaged as they are by 3rd and 4th degree tears, the woman's ability to prevent unwanted passing of wind and faeces can be reduced or lost.
Medical care and negligence
Severe birth tears are a known risk of vaginal childbirth, especially in the case of women who are giving birth for the first time or who have needed an instrumental delivery.
It is, consequently, essential that women who have given birth vaginally undergo a thorough examination shortly after the birth to ensure that all damage is diagnosed and effectively repaired.
A failure to do this may result in permanent debilitating and distressing bowel symptoms which can change a woman's life entirely, undermining her confidence and her ability to work.
Negligence may occur in the following ways:
- A failure to examine
- A failure to diagnose
- A misdiagnosis
- A failure to repair competently and effectively
Any of the above may leave a woman struggling in many ways. A claim for compensation may be a helpful way forward, especially where the woman is no longer able to work to the same extent or in the same way as before the birth, therefore suffering significant financial losses.
Speak to a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with extensive experience of high-value 3rd and 4th degree tear claims.
If you or a loved one are struggling with the shocking impact of an undiagnosed or unrepaired severe birth tear, contact us 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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