3rd Degree Tears & Claiming Compensation for Maternity Negligence
An unrepaired third degree tear during childbirth will leave a new mother with on-going bowel dysfunction and may justify a claim for compensation.
Third degree tears
Third degree tears vary in the extent of damage they cause and need to be diagnosed accurately in order to ensure that an effective surgical repair takes place.
- A 3a tear extends across the perineum and tears less than 50% of the external anal sphincter
- A 3b tear tears more than 50% of the external anal sphincter
- A 3c tear additionally damages the internal anal sphincter
If medical professionals do not make an accurate diagnosis and only a partial repair is carried out, the woman will continue to suffer some degree of bowel problem from extreme urgency to incontinence of wind and faeces.
As well as the devastating impact on a woman's self-confidence, the knock-on effect of such symptoms may be a significant reduction in income due to work restrictions. There are many areas of employment which are not appropriate for an employee with double incontinence. Through no fault of her own, the new mother may find that she can now no longer pursue her former career and suffers a financial loss.
Claiming compensation for negligent maternity care
If a woman suffers a poor long-term outcome due to substandard maternity care, she would be legally entitled to make a claim for compensation.
Negligent or substandard care would include a failure to carry out an examination following the birth, a failure to diagnose any damage, a misdiagnosis of damage and an ineffective repair of a 3rd degree tear.
Claiming compensation not only takes account of the woman's pain and suffering but also any financial losses and costs in so far as they have been caused by the negligent care.
Speak to a legal specialist
Compensation claims for medical negligence are complex and require the expertise of specialist lawyers. This enables a thorough assessment of the quality of care and its impact on the woman affected. A specialist solicitor will have the experience and skill to negotiate the best outcome.
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a team of expert lawyers. If you or a loved one are struggling with the appalling symptoms of an unrepaired 3rd degree tear, contact us today to talk to a solicitor 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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