Anal Damage and Maternity Negligence
Damage to the anal muscles during vaginal childbirth is not necessarily evidence of negligent maternity care. Sadly, these appalling injuries occur to approximately five percent of women who choose to give birth this way. It is particularly likely to happen to first-time mothers and those who have needed an instrumental delivery.
What might be considered as negligent care, however, is if a severe birth tear does not receive suitable medical attention. By this is meant a prompt and accurate diagnosis of the injury followed by a prompt and effective surgical repair in an operating theatre.
What is a severe birth tear?
Not all birth tears are likely to cause long-term disabling symptoms. If you suffer a 1st or 2nd degree tear, you will probably recovery quickly and effectively.
Third and fourth degree tears, however, are a different matter. The severity of the symptoms they can cause are due to the fact that these tears damage the muscles which control and prevent bowel movements. The muscles are referred to as the anal sphincter and third and fourth degree tears will affect their function.
Without prompt and surgical repair in an operating theatre, the new mother is likely to develop symptoms of urgency or leakage of both wind and faeces.
Maternity negligence
In order to avoid such an appalling and life-changing outcome, it is essential that new mothers receive scrupulous maternity care. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommends that all women who have given birth through the vagina are examined following the birth, including a digital rectal examination to assess the condition of the anal sphincter and anal canal.
If such an examination does not take place, a severe tear may not be diagnosed.
Even when an examination does take place, it is vital that the relevant medical professional recognises and correctly identifies the location and extent of the tear so that a surgical repair can take place.
If you or a loved one are struggling with the shocking symptoms of an unrepaired third or fourth degree tear to the anal muscles, you may be entitled to claim compensation. It is likely that many aspects of your life have had to change due to your symptom sand you may be struggling to work.
A successful compensation claim would address any financial losses you have suffered as well as any future financial losses you are likely to suffer due to the symptoms caused by your negligent care.
Contact a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a team of specialist lawyers. Contact us to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, 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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