Can I Claim Compensation for a Recto-vaginal Fistula?
If you are suffering with the symptoms of a rectovaginal fistula due to poor-quality medical care during the birth of your baby, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
How will a compensation claim help?
If you are struggling with symptoms such as bowel incontinence or leakage of wind and faeces from the vagina, you may be experiencing a loss of income. The symptoms associated with a rectovaginal fistula, where a passage existing between your rectum and your vagina, may restrict the type of work you are able to. For example, if you previously worked in hospitality, retail, education, health or policing, you may no longer feel able to continue that work due to the risk of bowel accidents.
In such circumstances, a successful compensation claim may be able to address your reduction in income or any additional costs caused by your bowel problems.
Is a recto-vaginal fistula negligent?
A small minority of women suffer severe anal damage during vaginal childbirth, including damage to the anal sphincter muscles and the anal canal. Consequently, a rectovaginal fistula may not be a sign of medical negligence.
However, if you are unfortunate enough to suffer such severe damage during the birth of your baby, the medical professionals who were present at the birth should identify it and arrange for a prompt and skilled repair.
A failure to carry out an examination, a failure to diagnose damage accurately and a failure to undertake an effective repair might all be regarded as substandard care.
A rectovaginal fistula may develop if a 4th degree tear, which damages the lining of the anal canal, is not diagnosed after childbirth. Prompt diagnosis and repair are crucial.
A delay in repairing such severe damage may leave the new mother facing a lifetime of debilitating and distressing bowel symptoms.
Claiming compensation
Compensation claims for medical negligence are complex and require the support of a specialist lawyer. If you or a loved one are struggling with the appalling symptoms of an unrepaired fourth degree tear, contact Glynns Solicitors, experts in medical negligence law.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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