Anal Incontinence and Compensation for 3rd Degree Tear Negligence
The possible consequences of anal incontinence are not only distressing but can be utterly life-changing. If medical negligence is at fault, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
Anal Incontinence?
What is anal incontinence and what has it got to do with childbirth? The term 'anal incontinence' refers to the loss of the ability to control the passing of wind and faeces. It can mean uncontrolled leakage from the anus. It is a distressing outcome of vaginal childbirth for about 5% of women who give birth this way.
Under the pressure of the birth, a tear of the skin and muscle around the vagina can commence and extend across the perineum and into the anal muscles. Lesser tears tend to resolve quickly and effectively. More severe tears, otherwise referred to as 3rd and 4th degree tears, require competent, accurate and timely medical care to ensure that the mother does not face a lifetime of debilitating symptoms.
Medical care of severe birth tears
If a woman sustains a severe tear during the birth of her baby, it is vital that the medical professionals who have attended the birth recognise the injury and take the appropriate action as promptly as possible.
Negligent care may lead to a lifetime of misery and justify a claim for compensation.
Examples of negligent maternity care which may result in a woman suffering with an unrepaired severe tear, would include the following:
- A failure to carry out a thorough examination following the vaginal birth of a baby, which must include a digital rectal examination of the new mother in order to assess the condition of her anal muscles
- A failure to identify that an injury to the anal sphincter has occurred
- A misdiagnosis of an injury to the anal sphincter
- A failure to carry out an appropriate and effective repair of damage to the anal sphincter
Claiming compensation
If debilitating bowel symptoms are affecting your quality of life because your maternity care was substandard, you may be struggling to work, socialise and support your baby.
A successful compensation claim would address any financial issues, both past and future, which have been caused by your negligent care.
Speak to a specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with extensive experience of birth tear claims.
Contact us today to talk to a specialist 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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