Can I Sue the NHS for Long-term Birth Tear Symptoms?
If you are suffering long-term bowel problems after the birth of your baby, it is possible that you have an undiagnosed severe tear or that your injury was inadequately repaired. You may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.
Symptoms of 3rd and 4th degree tears
If you suffered a severe 3rd or 4th degree tear during vaginal childbirth but have not undergone an effective repair, you may be experiencing the following symptoms:
- Extreme urgency when needing to go to the toilet
- Uncontrolled leakage of faeces, or incontinence
- Inability to prevent the passing of wind
- Discomfort during sexual intercourse
- Perineal pain and infections
- Leakage of wind or faeces from the vagina
Post-birth examinations
If you gave birth via the vagina, you should have received a thorough examination of your perineum (between the vagina and the anus) after the birth. You may also have needed a digital, rectal examination inside the anus to check for any damage.
These examinations are intended to identify if you have suffered a tear when your baby was born.
If you were a first-time mother or you were carrying a large baby, it is more likely that you might have suffered a severe tear. You were also at a greater risk of a severe tear if you needed an assisted or instrumental delivery such as forceps. A severe tear causes damage to your anal muscles and needs to be repaired in an operating theatre by a surgeon.
If you are suffering the above symptoms but do not recall either being diagnosed with a 3rd or 4th degree tear and did not receive a skilled repair, you may have been the victim of medical negligence.
The effects of severe perineal tears
Around 5 - 6 % of women suffer severe tears during childbirth. Many struggle on with their symptoms believing that they are normal after giving birth. In fact, these injuries need to be repaired shortly after the birth of the baby and a failure to either diagnose or repair such an injury may be regarded as negligent.
Long-term bowel problems can lead to loss of confidence, social isolation, depression and an inability to work.
A successful legal claim can provide compensation for your pain, suffering and loss of past and future income.
Speak to a solicitor
If you are struggling with the shocking symptoms of an unrepaired severe birth tear, contact Glynns Solicitors to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor with expertise in this filed.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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