Anal Injury Symptoms and Compensation for Negligent Maternity Care
A failure of maternity care can leave a new mother with permanent and life-changing bowel symptoms. In these circumstances, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Care of the perineum and anus during vaginal childbirth
If medical professionals fail to consider the health and integrity of a woman's perineum and anus following vaginal childbirth, the outcome can be utterly devastating.
Competent care is reflected in the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists' Care Bundle which recommends the following measures:
- That women are advised of the risk of severe anal injury during vaginal childbirth and of steps which they can take to reduce the risk
- Manual protection of the perineum during the birth
- The use of a medio-lateral episiotomy where indicated
- A thorough examination of the new mother's perineum, including a digital rectal examination following the birth in order to ensure that all and any damage, including damage to the anal sphincter, is diagnosed and repaired.
Negligent post-natal perineal care
If a woman suffers with the consequences of an undiagnosed and unrepaired 3rd or 4th degree tear, she may wish to make a claim for compensation for negligent care. The following failures of care may be regarded as negligent:
- A failure to carry out an examination of a new mother including a digital rectal examination
- A failure to diagnose damage to the perineum and anus
- A misdiagnosis of anal sphincter damage, such as diagnosing a 3c tear which involves the internal muscle as a 3a tear which only affects the external muscle
- A failure to carry out an effective repair in an operating theatre by an experienced surgeon
Claiming compensation for the consequences of negligent care
If a woman suffers a 3rd or 4th degree tear which is not accurately diagnosed and effectively repaired, she will suffer difficulties controlling her bowel. The severity of her symptoms and the problems they cause will depend upon the extent of the injury which she suffered during the birth of her child.
With prompt diagnosis and repair, these symptoms will resolve. Without these actions, the new mother may suffer bowel urgency or incontinence for the rest of her life, affecting her ability to support her child, her ability to work and her personal relationships. It is also likely to cause significant emotional distress.
A claim for compensation for the consequences of her negligent maternity care can help the woman to address the problems which she is experiencing.
Speak to a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with extensive expertise in birth injury compensation claims.
Contact us today to speak with a specialist solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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