Can I Get Compensation for an Anal Sphincter Defect?
If you have been told that you have an anal sphincter defect after the birth of your baby, it probably means that you have suffered a third or fourth degree tear. If this has not been repaired, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.
Third and fourth degree tears
Third and fourth degree tears are severe forms of perineal trauma which can occur during vaginal childbirth.
As opposed to 1st and 2nd degree tears, which only damage the perineum between the vagina and anus, 3rd and 4th degree tears injure the muscles which control the bowels - the anal sphincter.
If your anal sphincter has a defect due to a severe perineal tear, it may be affecting your ability to control the passing of wind and faeces.
You may be suffering pain and discomfort.
Responding to severe tears
Losing the ability to control your bowel can affect your ability to work and look after your child as well as causing considerable embarrassment.
It is vital that, when a baby is born, the new mother undergoes a full examination of her perineum and anal region to check for any such damage. Without this, a thorough repair may not be carried out and the woman may be left with appalling bowel symptoms for the rest of her life.
Negligence
If you have on-going symptoms and suspect that you have not received suitable and necessary surgery, it might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
- Diagnosing anal damage during childbirth requires a thorough examination including a digital, rectal examination. If this did not occur, it is possible that there was no recognition that you have suffered such a severe injury
- It is possible that your injury was observed but that the severity of it was misunderstood and you have been given an inadequate diagnosis resulting in an inadequate repair. For example, a 3rd degree tear may be diagnosed as a 2nd degree tear, meaning that the damage to the anal sphincter is unlikely to have been repaired.
- You may have received an accurate diagnosis but a poor-quality repair, again leaving you with on-going symptoms.
Speak to a solicitor
If you are suffering long-term symptoms of urgency or incontinence due to a severe tear which has not been effectively repaired, contact Glynn Solicitors to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
We have supported numerous women in making compensation claims relating to the management of perineal trauma and will be very happy to advise you.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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