Childbirth 3rd Degree Tear Medical Negligence
A 3rd degree tear is a fairly common maternal outcome of vaginal childbirth, occurring in around 5% of births. If on-going symptoms are due to poor-quality medical care, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
What causes 3rd degree tears?
A 3rd, or 4th, degree tear occurs during vaginal childbirth when the perineal region between the vagina and anus is under enough pressure to cause the skin and muscle to tear.
This is more likely to happen when an instrumental delivery is necessary where either forceps or a ventouse are used to assist the birth. It is also mre likely where the woman is giving birth to a larger than average baby.
First-time mothers and women or Asian ethnicity are also more at risk of this distressing injury.
Why does a 3rd degree tear matter?
A 3rd degree tear matters because it damages the muscles which control bowel movement. These are the external and internal anal sphincter muscles which, together, prevent and allow the passing of wind and faeces from the bowel.
If damaged, these muscles can struggle to function, leaving the woman with a degree of incontinence.
3rd degree tears differ in the extent and impact of their damage, with a 3a tear being the least damaging and a 3c being the most extensive.
Diagnosis and treatment
A 3rd degree tear needs to be diagnosed as soon as possible after the birth of the baby in order to facilitate a prompt surgical repair. This should take place in an operating theatre and should address the entire length of the injury.
If the tear is misdiagnosed, therefore, a part of the injury may be missed during the repair process, leaving the new mother with on-going debilitating symptoms and life-changing effects.
In addition to the psychological distress of such a severe injury, the practical difficulties can mean that a woman struggles to work to her full potential, suffering a loss of income.
edical negligence
If medical professionals fail to examine a new mother, fail to make an accurate diagnosis or fail to carry out a competent and effective repair, they may be regarded as having acted negligently.
If the woman suffers long-term difficulties and financial losses as a result, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Legal advice
If you believe you may have a claim for compensation for medical negligence, speak to a specialist solicitor for guidance.
Here at Glynns, we are a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with considerable experience of maternal birth tear compensation claims. Contact us today to talk to one of our team of specialist solicitors.
Contact us today to talk to a specialist solicitor about the possibility of making a claim for compensation.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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