Childbirth Tear Impact and Medical Negligence
A maternal perineal tear during vaginal childbirth can cause devastating symptoms, affecting the new mother's quality of life, her ability to work and her ability to support and bond with her new baby.
The impact of a childbirth tear
A severe perineal tear, also referred to as 3rd and 4th degree tears, can cause devastating symptoms, potentially affecting the new mother physically, practically, emotionally and financially.
When a severe tear is not correctly diagnosed or effectively repaired, it can leave a woman with distressing and debilitating bowel problems. This can include extreme urgency when needing to go to the toilet, leakage of faeces through the anus or the vagina, and a loss of ability to control the passing of wind. The impact of such shocking symptoms can be psychologically challenging, often leaving a woman feeling unable to leave the home and struggling with social isolation. Her personal relationships can suffer along with her self-confidence. Her ability to work may be affected, causing her to suffer a loss of income.
Trying to cope with this array of consequences, whilst at the same time trying to nurture and support a new-born baby can be overwhelming. When the bowel difficulties and associated problems have been caused by negligent maternity care, it can be particularly difficult to understand and accept.
Negligent perineal care
Meticulous maternity are is crucial to prevent and manage these shocking injuries but, sometimes, substandard care can leave a woman with an undiagnosed injury which may not be easily resolved once time has passed.
Examples of maternity care which may be regarded as negligent and which may justify a claim for compensation could include the following:
- A failure to carry out a thorough examination including an essential digital rectal examination
- A failure to recognise damage to the anal sphincter
- A misdiagnosis of damage to the anal sphincter, for example identifying a 3c tear as a 3a tear
- A failure to ensure that an effective repair has been carried out
Claiming compensation for childbirth negligence
If you are struggling with the impact of a childbirth tear which has not received adequate medical care, contact Glynns Solicitors to talk to a solicitor about the possibility of making a claim for compensation.
Specialists in medical negligence law, we deal with the victims of maternity negligence on a daily basis. Contact us today to talk to a solicitor free of charge.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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