Anal Childbirth Tear and When to Make a Claim
It may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation for medical negligence if you have suffered substandard quality of care which has caused you to experience symptoms and difficulties which would not have been the case with an acceptable quality of care.
Medical care of an obstetric anal sphincter injury
Anal sphincter tears are a risk of vaginal childbirth, with around 5% of women suffering them. They can vary in extent and the degree of damage, and dysfunction, caused, but they all need to be diagnosed accurately and repaired at the time of the birth of the baby. A significant delay in diagnosis and repair may mean that a repair is less effective and the new mother may continue to suffer distressing debilitating symptoms.
In order to ensure that all and any damage is correctly diagnosed, it is essential, and recommended, that all women who give birth through the vagina undergo an examination following the birth of their baby. This examination should include a digital rectal examination to check for any damage to the anal sphincter, the muscles which control the passing of wind and faeces.
If an injury is found, it needs to be correctly identified and recorded as either a 3a, 3b, 3c or 4th degree tear.
A comprehensive and effective surgical repair by an experienced surgeon should then be carried out.
Negligent maternity care
If any of these processes are missed, it is quite possible that the new mother will leave hospital with her baby and an undiagnosed severe anal injury.
A failure of examination, a failure of diagnosis and a failure of surgery may all be regarded as negligent.
The range of appalling symptoms associated with anal sphincter dysfunction, such as incontinence of wind and faeces, can cause life-changing difficulties.
Making a claim
If a woman is struggling to work and suffering a significant loss of income due to the impact of negligent maternity care, it may be possible to make a claim.
A successful claim would incorporate the financial losses and costs which have been caused by the effects of the negligence.
Speak to a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a wealth of expertise and experience in severe birth tear claims.
Contact us today to speak with a solicitor, free of charge, if you think that you may have been the victim of negligent care.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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