4th Degree Tears and Claiming Compensation for Negligent Medical Care
4th degree tears are the most severe maternal perineal birth injuries. Without effective medical care, a woman can be left permanently incontinent. It may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
What is a 4th degree tear?
The majority of women who give birth through the vagina will suffer a tear during the birth. This is because of the pressure on the vagina and perineum as the baby is born. In a few cases, this tear will extend beyond the perineum and affect the muscles which control bowel movement.
A 4th degree tear extends right across the perineum, though both the external and internal anal sphincter muscles and into the lining of the anal canal.
Without a skilled repair, the new mother will become incontinent. If she is extremely unlucky, the injury will additionally cause a fistula, or hole, to develop between the anus and the vagina, causing wind and faeces to leak from the vagina.
The emotional, physical and practical consequences can be devastating and life-changing.
Appropriate medical care
If a 4th degree tear has occurred, it is vital that it is diagnosed as promptly as possible and repaired by an experienced surgeon.
For this to happen, it is necessary for the new mother to undergo a thorough examination which includes a digital assessment of her anus. Without this, a 4th degree tear will not be identified and, without a diagnosis, it will not be repaired.
Without a repair, the woman will suffer incontinence of wind and faeces and, if a fistula has developed, she will additionally experience leakage from the vagina.
Claiming compensation for medical negligence
If medical professionals have provided substandard or negligent care, they may be held responsible for the symptoms and effects which the patient suffers, and which they would not have suffered with appropriate care.
If a woman is unable to work as a result of her symptoms or becomes reliant on costly personal care, a claim for compensation would take these financial factors into account.
Specialist legal advice
If you or a loved one are struggling with the distressing and debilitating impact of a 4th degree tear because it was not diagnosed and has not been repaired, contact Glynns Solicitors to discuss the suitability of making a claim.
As specialists in medical negligence compensation law, we have extensive experience of perineal tear negligence and one of our team of experienced lawyers will be very happy to help you.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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