3rd Degree Tear Misdiagnosis and How to Claim Compensation
If a 3rd degree tear during vaginal childbirth is misdiagnosed, the new mother may suffer permanent and life-changing symptoms.
Diagnosing a 3rd degree tear
It is essential that not only is a third degree tear recognised by the medical professionals attendant at a vaginal birth, but that the extent of the tear is precisely diagnosed.
There are three levels of 3rd degree tear:
- A 3a tear which damages up to 50% of the external anal sphincter, as well as the perineum
- A 3b tear which damages more than 50% of the external anal sphincter
- A 3c tear which also damages the internal anal sphincter
Without a correct diagnosis, it is unlikely that the new mother will undergo a full and effective repair. Without a correct diagnosis, she is likely to suffer permanent and possibly worsening bowel symptoms.
Unfortunately, the symptoms associated with a 3rd degree tear can by utterly life-changing, affecting a woman both physically and emotionally.
Damage to the anal sphincter will affect a woman's ability to control bowel movements. It can mean that she will suffer incontinence of both wind and faeces and, without an effective repair, these symptoms may worsen over time.
Negligent medical care of a 3rd degree tear
Medical professionals may be regarded as having provided negligent care in the following circumstances:
- A failure to carry out a thorough perineal examination, including a digital rectal examination. Following the birth of the baby
- A failure to recognise damage to the anal sphincter
- A misdiagnosis of damage to the anal sphincter, such as diagnosing a 3c tear as a 3a tear, which can mean that only a part of the damage is repaired
- A failure to repair damage to the anal sphincter
Claiming compensation
If you have suffered a 3rd degree tear which has not been effectively repaired, you may also be experiencing significant financial losses. You may find it difficult to work in some types of employment and may find that the hours of work which you can manage Are restricted due to your symptoms. Both of these scenarios can result in a loss of income.
If this situation is due to negligent maternity care, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation which would include any financial loss on your part in so far as it has been caused by substandard medical care.
Speak to a legal specialist
Contact Glynns Solicitors, specialists in medical negligence law, to talk to a lawyer about the possibility of making a claim for compensation.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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