Claiming Compensation for a Missed 3rd Degree Tear
Severe birth tears which damage the bowel muscles and reduce a woman's control are not uncommon. It is surprising, therefore, that these injuries are often missed or misdiagnosed, leaving the new mother with appalling and distressing symptoms.
Why 3rd degree tears matter
A third degree tear is one which extends from the vagina, travels across the perineum and damages the anal sphincter. In fact, 3rd degree tears come in three different forms and are classified according to how much damage they inflict. The least damaging, a 3a tear, only affects the external anal muscle, whereas the worst, a 3c tear, damages both the external and the internal muscle.
All types of third degree tear, however, have the potential to reduce a woman's control of her bowel function. It may become impaired. It may be lost. She may suffer incontinence of both wind and faeces as a result of vaginal birth.
The vision of bonding with one's new-born baby may be lost in a haze of discomfort, distress and the need to have quick access to a toilet.
The long-term impact of these terrible birth injuries can be life-changing:
- Psychologically many women find such an outcome extremely difficult to cope with
- Personal relationships can suffer as a result of both the physical and psychological impact of a third degree tear
- A woman's ability to work and earn an income can be reduced due to her symptoms and anxiety
Medical negligence
There is little excuse for missing a third degree tear, otherwise described as an obstetric anal sphincter injury.
It is recommended by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists that all women who have given birth via the vagina undergo a thorough examination following the birth of the baby, including a digital, rectal examination. This is an examination of the condition of the anus and should identify if the anal sphincter has been damaged.
If a third degree tear is missed, and therefore does not undergo a repair, it might suggest that the new mother has only received substandard medical care.
If the woman's quality of life is adversely affected by the impact of her missed birth injury, it might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation. This can help to deal with the many and varied ways in which life is affected by such an appalling outcome.
Speak to a solicitor
If you are struggling with the shocking impact of an undiagnosed third degree tear, contact Glynn Solicitors to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
We have extensive experience of birth tear compensation claims and one of our team of solicitors will be very happy to talk to you.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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