Claiming Compensation for a Colostomy after a 4th Degree Tear
If you have been left with a colostomy bag following repair of a severe birth tear, it might be that your diagnosis or repair was negligent. It may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Why has this happened?
When a woman gives birth through the vagina, the pressure of the birth can cause the perineum to tear and, occasionally, this injury extends as far as the anal sphincter muscles which control the bowel.
Such an injury may damage only the external anal sphincter muscle or it might continue into the internal muscle and the lining of the anal canal. This is known as a 4th degree tear.
Without a prompt and skilled repair, a 4th degree tear can leave the new mother with such severe bowel dysfunction that a colostomy operation is needed to fit a stoma bag and provide bowel function.
Diagnosis negligence
A misdiagnosis of anal sphincter damage following vaginal childbirth can mean that the full extent of a woman's injury is not recognised and any repair, if a repair takes place at all, may not resolve the entire injury.
Perineal tears should be carefully and accurately identified following a thorough examination after the vaginal birth of a baby.
A failure to examine a new mother or a misdiagnosis of her injuries may be regarded as negligent medical care. A claim for compensation may help a new mother to deal with the bowel difficulties she experiences due to her substandard care.
Surgery negligence
A poor-quality repair of an anal sphincter injury can leave a new mother with on-going and debilitating bowel symptoms.
The need for a colostomy may indicate that the anal tear repair has not been of an adequate quality.
The physical, practical and emotional problems created by having a stoma can be life-changing, causing a reduction in income and the need for support.
Where such an appalling outcome is due to poor-quality medical care, a successful compensation claim can help the new mother to address the emotional and financial difficulties she faces.
Speak to a solicitor
If you are struggling with the impact of a colostomy and suspect that you may have been the victim of substandard maternity care, contact Glynns Solicitors to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
We have extensive experience of birth tear negligence claims and one of our team will be very happy to discuss your situation with you.
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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