Can I Get Compensation for a Misdiagnosed OASI?
If your misdiagnosed OASI has left you with on-going and debilitating symptoms, it might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
What is an OASI?
An OASI is an obstetric anal sphincter injury. In other words, it is a tear to the muscles which control the bowel which occurs occasionally during vaginal childbirth.
Depending on the extent of the tear, it may affect only the external anal muscle, both external and internal anal muscles or, in the case of a 4th degree tear, will also damage the lining of the anal canal. Any and all of these injuries can cause some degree of bowel dysfunction which can cause considerable distress and disability for the woman concerned.
Care of the perineum and anus
Consequently, care of the perineum following vaginal childbirth should be a priority for medical professionals and they are expected to carry out a thorough assessment of a new mother's perineum and anus to ensure that all damage is identified.
Unfortunately, this does not always occur and a woman can be left with undiagnosed or misdiagnosed damage to her anal muscles. This will result in a failure to repair life-changing damage.
A woman with an unrepaired obstetric anal sphincter injury is likely to experience a range of debilitating symptoms including the following:
- Inability to prevent the passing of wind
- Inability to prevent the passing of faeces
- Perineal infections
- Discomfort of the perineum
- Possible leakage from the vagina
The emotional impact should not be under-estimated either as the new mother tries to come to terms with her appalling symptoms.
Medical negligence
Medical professionals who have either failed to diagnose a perineal tear correctly or have failed to carry out an effective repair may be regarded as having provided negligent care.
If the woman affected finds herself facing severe symptoms which cause on-going difficulties and financial losses which would not otherwise have occurred, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
A successful compensation claim can address the issues of financial losses as well as providing a sense of justice having been done.
Speak to a solicitor
If you are struggling with the shocking impact of a misdiagnosed OASI, contact Glynns Solicitors to discuss your situation with a specialist medical negligence solicitor. We have considerable expertise and experience of OASI claims.
Remember that new claims have to be commenced within three years of the alleged negligence. The earlier you start your claim, the earlier it will be resolved.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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