Anal Sphincter Tear Misdiagnosed: Can I Claim Compensation?
An accurate diagnosis of an injury to the anal muscles during vaginal childbirth is absolutely essential. A misdiagnosis can leave a woman with permanent and stressing bowel problems.
Severe birth tear diagnosis
If a woman giving birth to her baby through the vagina suffers a severe perineal tear, it is crucial not only that her injury is diagnosed (which does not always happen), but that it is correctly diagnosed.
These appalling injuries are classified according to the extent of the damage they cause.
- A 3a tear affects up to 50% of the external anal sphincter
- A 3b tear damages more than 50% of the external anal sphincter
- A 3c tear additionally damages the internal anal sphincter
- A 4th degree tear damages both the external and internal muscles as well as the lining of the anal canal
If a 3c tear or a 4th degree tear are diagnosed as a lesser injury, it is likely that part of the woman's injury may not be repaired and she will continue to suffer bowel symptoms, such as leakage of wind and faeces.
A later diagnosis and delayed repair may not be successful in resolving the woman's bowel problems, which may even get worse over time.
If a 4th degree tear is misdiagnosed, the new mother may develop a fistula and may even require a stoma. Distressing indeed!
Speak to a legal specialist
If you are struggling with disabling bowel problems because your birth injury was misdiagnosed, contact a medical negligence legal specialist.
Maternity professionals are expected to carry out an examination and make a correct diagnosis of any damage. If this did not happen in your case, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation for the consequences.
A successful claim would address financial losses which you have experienced and will continue to experience as a result of your symptoms. This could include a loss of income and the costs of treatment and specialist equipment where possible and necessary.
Free legal advice
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a team of experienced lawyers.
Over the years we have supported numerous women in making claims for the impact of their negligent birth tears and can, as a result, offer a wealth of understanding of these debilitating and deeply distressing injuries.
Contact us today to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim.
We can offer No Win No Fee medical negligence funding which we will discuss with you during your free initial telephone discussion.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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