Can I Get Compensation if my Severe Birth Tear Was Missed?
A failure to diagnose a severe perineal tear following vaginal childbirth can cause a lifetime of misery. A successful compensation claim can help to address some of the new mother's problems.
What are severe birth tears?
Severe birth tears are also referred to as 3rd and 4th degree tears or obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIs). They can occur during vaginal childbirth when the skin and muscle of the perineum has to stretch. Usually, perineal tears are small but a minority of women suffer a more extensive injury that damages the anal sphincter muscles which control the bowel.
The impact of a missed perineal tear
A severe 3rd or 4th degree perineal tear can cause a woman to lose control of her bowel. This effectively means that, at best, she may suffer extreme urgency when needing to go to the toilet. At worst, it may mean that she experiences incontinence of both wind and faeces. She may even require a colostomy on a temporary or permanent basis to provide bowel function.
These debilitating and distressing injuries cause practical problems with employment, socialising, travelling and, crucially, bringing up children. Understandably, they can also cause emotional and psychological problems for the woman concerned who can end up feeling socially isolated. Personal relationships can suffer as the woman tries to cope with the unexpected turn her life has taken.
Medical negligence
Severe perineal tears are sometimes the focus of a compensation claim if they have not received appropriate medical care. It is essential that women who have given birth via the vagina receive a thorough assessment of the perineum and anus following the birth precisely to diagnose any injury.
If an examination does not take place, or damage is not diagnosed accurately, the relevant medical professionals may be regarded as having provided substandard care. If the new mother suffers long-term debilitating symptoms as a result, it might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation for the financial losses caused by the negligence.
Claiming compensation
If you are suffering long-term bowel problems due to a missed perineal birth tear, you might want to consider making a claim for compensation.
Contact Glynns Solicitors to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor with expertise in perineal tear claims.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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