Childbirth Anal Injury and Compensation for Maternity Negligence
An anal injury during vaginal childbirth is both shocking and potentially life-changing. Without a prompt and effective repair, this severe birth tear can leave the new mother with permanent bowel problems which can fundamentally undermine her quality of life.
The risk of anal sphincter injuries
Around 5% of women who give birth via the vagina suffer what is termed a severe tear, otherwise known as 3rd or 4th degree tears. These appalling injuries cause damage to the anal muscles which control and prevent the passing of wind and faeces. Competent and accurate diagnosis and repair are required promptly to ensure that symptoms of incontinence do not become a permanent feature of the woman's life.
In the most severe of cases, bowel function may be compromised to such an extent that the woman requires a stoma to be fitted. Occasionally a fistula may develop between the rectum and the vagina which allows wind and faeces to leak through an abnormal passage and out from the vagina. Distressing, indeed!
Maternity negligence and the right to compensation
Unfortunately, these appalling injuries do not always receive the attention they require from maternity professionals.
Every woman who have given birth through the vagina requires a thorough examination which should include a digital rectal examination shortly after the birth of their baby. This is particularly important for first-time mothers and women who have undergone an instrumental delivery as they are at a higher than average risk of suffering a severe tear. This is crucial in order to ensure that any injury is promptly, fully and correctly repaired.
Maternity professionals may be regarded as having provided only substandard care if they fail to carry out an appropriate examination, if they fail to recognise or correctly diagnose a severe birth tear or if an effective repair is not carried out.
If a woman is left with permanent and debilitating symptoms as a consequence of such negligence she may be entitled to claim compensation.
Speak to a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with extensive expertise in high-value birth tear compensation claims. Our solicitors speak with the victims of this distressing consequence of negligence on a daily basis and have a thorough understanding of the distress which it can cause.
Contact us today if you think you may have been the victim of negligent maternity care. One of our team will be very happy to talk to you, 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.
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