Can I Claim Compensation for an Unrepaired OASI?
If you have an anal sphincter injury which has not been repaired, you are probably experiencing significant bowel symptoms. You may well be entitled to make claim for compensation. Seek the advice of a legal specialist.
What is an OASI?
An OASI (obstetric anal sphincter injury) is an injury which can sometimes occur during vaginal childbirth which causes a tear to the anal sphincter. This is the muscles which work to control the passing of wind and faeces. OASI are also referred to as 3rd and 4th degree tears. 3rd and 4th degree tears are extensions of perineal tears which start at the vagina and spread across the perineum. For around 5% of women who give birth this way, these tears continue into the anal muscles. If they are not diagnosed or repaired, OASI will cause a woman to struggle with control of her bowel movements and she may start to experience leakage or incontinence of both wind and faeces.
Negligent medical care of an OASI
Medical care of an OASI should ensure that such an injury is both diagnosed and repaired. An OASI is a known risk of vaginal childbirth and the possible consequences and impact on the life of both a new mother and her baby are well understood.
For a woman to develop bowel incontinence can be utterly devastating and affect her not only physically and practically but also emotionally and financially if she now struggles to work.
Examples of negligent medical care which may leave a woman with an OASI include the following:
- A failure to carry out an episiotomy prior to an instrumental delivery
- A failure to examine a woman following the birth of her baby
- A failure to diagnose injury to the anal sphincter
- A failure to repair an OASI
When to claim compensation
You can make a claim for compensation if it is found that negligent medical care during the birth of your baby caused or contributed to your poor outcome which would not have occurred with an acceptable level of care.
In order to initiate a claim you should speak to a legal expert who specialises in this very complex field of law. However, it is important to remember that claims must be issued with a court within three years of the date of the alleged negligence. So, if you think you may have a claim, don't delay. A solicitor will need plenty of time in which to investigate the quality of your medical care before a claim is taken any further.
Speak to a specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with extensive expertise in high-value birth tear claims. Contact us today to talk to 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.
Make An Enquiry
Why Choose Us
- Specialist medical negligence solicitors
- Free initial enquiries
- No win, no fee available
Reviews
Our Expertise
Helping Clients Across England & Wales
