3rd Degree Tear Negligence Compensation
If medical treatment of your 3rd degree tear has been negligent, leaving you with on-going bowel problems, it might be possible to make a claim for compensation. A successful claim can help you to cope with many of the difficulties you may now be facing.
The severity of 3rd degree tears
A 3rd degree tear during vaginal childbirth is a serious injury. It causes damage to the muscles which control the bowel, meaning that the new mother may suffer urgency, leakage or incontinence. All of these difficulties can be extremely hard to cope with and impact on a woman's self-confidence and ability to function normally.
A 3rd degree tear is not uncommon and, as such, medical professionals should be fully aware of the need for accurate diagnosis and skilled repair. A failure in either of these functions may be considered as substandard care.
When a baby is born through the vagina, the pressure may cause the skin to split and the muscles of the anus can be injured. It is vital that any damage is noticed.
Diagnosing 3rd degree tears
Women who have given birth should undergo a thorough examination after the birth of their baby to assess for any form of vaginal, perineal or anal damage. This should include a digital, rectal examination, especially for women who are at particular risk of a severe tear. This would include first-time mothers and women who have needed as instrumental delivery with forceps.
Furthermore, any damage needs to be accurately recorded and classified according to whether it is a 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th degree tear. There are three different forms of 3rd degree tear and it is necessary that this should be recorded precisely. Without an accurate diagnosis, the new mother may not receive the surgery necessary to repair her injury and prevent future bowel difficulties.
Treating anal sphincter injuries
A 3rd degree tear needs to be repaired in an operating theatre by a skilled professional. If a substandard repair takes place, the wound may break down or it may be inadequate in the first place. The new mother may then find that she continues to suffer continence issues even though she has undergone a repair of her injury.
Medical negligence
If either an examination does not take place, or it fails to identify severe damage, the relevant medical practitioners may be regarded as having been negligent. If the repair of a severe tear is inadequate, it may also be regarded as a matter of substandard care.
Claiming compensation
If you are suffering severe long-term problems due to a 3rd degree tear that was not diagnosed or repaired effectively, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation. If you have suffered financial losses as a result of the negligence, a successful compensation claim can help.
Contact Glynns Solicitors today. One of our team of specialist solicitors will be very happy to help.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
Make An Enquiry
Why Choose Us
- Specialist medical negligence solicitors
- Free initial enquiries
- No win, no fee available
Reviews
Our Expertise
Helping Clients Across England & Wales
