4th Degree Tear Missed. Can I Get Compensation?
If your maternity professionals failed to note your 4th degree tear, and you are still struggling with the consequences, it may be possible to get compensation.
4th degree tears
A 4th degree tear is the most extensive and debilitating form of vaginal birth tear. As well as the damage caused by a 3rd degree tear to the external and internal anal muscles, a 4th degree tear damages the lining of the anal canal.
The physical, practical and psychological impact can be considerable.
- A 4th degree tear can cause a new mother to suffer urgency, leakage and incontinence of both wind and faeces
- A 4th degree tear can lead to the development of a rectovaginal fistula, an abnormal passage between the anus and the vagina, allowing wind and faecal matter to leak from the vagina
- The impact of a 4th degree tear can mean that the new mother will need further surgery and may require a stoma to be fitted to provide bowel function
The distress and discomfort of symptoms and consequences such as these can be extreme.
The impact of a 4th degree tear on quality of life
Due to years of experience in talking to and supporting women who have suffered this distressing outcome of vaginal childbirth, here at Glynns we have developed a deep understanding of the extensive impact of these appalling injuries.
The combined practical and psychological consequences of a 4th degree tear can significantly affect a woman's ability to work, the types of work she can access, the hours she can manage and what she can earn.
The need for specialist treatment and equipment can have a considerable impact on the woman's quality of life.
The impact on her health and her personal relationships can be distressing.
Claiming compensation
If a woman has been left with the shocking impact of a 4th degree tear due to negligent maternity care, she may be able to make a claim for compensation which will address her financial losses and help to address the challenges she now faces.
If maternity professionals attendant at the baby's birth failed to recognise that a severe anal sphincter injury had occurred, leaving this appalling injury unrepaired, they may be regarded as having provided negligent care.
It is essential to talk to a legal specialist at the earliest possible moment in order to check the quality of your maternity care.
Speak to a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with long-standing experience of supporting women with 3rd and 4th degree tear claims.
We can offer No Win No Fee medical negligence funding which we will discuss with you during your free initial telephone discussion.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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