Childbirth Perineal Trauma and Compensation for Negligence
Talk to a legal specialist if you are struggling with the distressing bowel problems which can result from negligent maternity care.
Childbirth perineal trauma
A tear to the perineum, the area between the vagina and the anus, is not uncommon during vaginal childbirth. The pressure of the movement and delivery of the baby through the vagina causes the skin to split. Most women are left with a small tear, described as either a 1st or 2nd degree tear, which is limited in its extent and usually resolves quickly. If a repair is necessary, it may be carried out in the maternity ward and the new mother should recover promptly from her symptoms.
Occasionally, however, a more serious injury develops. This is often associated with an instrumental delivery, a first-time mother or the scenario where the woman is giving birth to a large baby.
These injuries, referred to as 3rd or 4th degree tears, damage the perineum but then extend beyond the perineum to cause injury to the anal sphincter, the external and internal muscles which control the passing of wind and faeces from the anus.
Medical care and medical negligence
Not surprisingly, these injuries require a prompt, skilled and knowledgeable approach to ensure their diagnosis and effective repair.
- All women who have undergone a vaginal delivery should be thoroughly examined after the birth including having a digital assessment of the anal muscle
- All signs of injury should be identified
- Any injury should be diagnosed accurately
- A birth tear should receive a comprehensive and appropriate repair by an experienced surgeon an operating theatre
A failure of any of these crucial aspects of care can leave a new mother facing a lifetime of bowel problems and struggling to cope with her new baby.
Making a claim for compensation
If an act of negligence such as identified above leaves a new mother with on-going debilitating symptoms, she may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.
A successful compensation claim will take account of the impact of the symptoms which have been caused by the negligence. For example, this may include a loss of income due to the difficulties of working when suffering from incontinence of wind and faeces. This might affect the hours that a woman is able to work or it might affect the type of job she can undertake, causing a reduction in income.
Expert legal advice
Medical negligence compensation claims are complicated, requiring expertise in this highly specialised area of the law.
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice. If you think that you may have been the victim of negligent care, contact s to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, about your experience. They will advise you as to the best way forward.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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