Claiming Compensation for Maternity Episiotomy Negligence
Negligent maternity care can leave a new mother with appalling permanent bowel damage, affecting her physical, financial and psychological well-being. It may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
The role of an episiotomy
An episiotomy is a deliberate surgical cut to the perineum during vaginal childbirth with the intention of easing the delivery of the baby and reducing the likelihood that the woman will suffer a severe birth tear.
If, during the course of a vaginal birth, it is considered necessary that the woman requires instrumental assistance with forceps, for example, an episiotomy in advance of the instrumental procedure may be necessary to minimise the risk of a 3rd or 4th degree tear. If this is not carried out, and the woman suffered a severe tear, the medical professionals attendant at the birth may be regarded as having provided negligent care.
Furthermore, if an episiotomy is carried out, it is recommended that this is a mediolateral episiotomy at an angle, precisely to avoid encouraging a severe tear. The incorrect use of an episiotomy may be regarded as substandard care.
Medical negligence and compensation
If a woman suffers a severe birth tear due to substandard management of her care, it is essential that the injury is diagnosed and repaired as promptly as possible. This will give the best chance that she will not suffer long-term bowel problems.
If a severe tear is not diagnosed and repaired, the woman may suffer permanent bowel problems. This may mean that she experiences urgency when needing to go to the toilet. It may mean that she suffers faecal and wind leakage unintentionally on a regular basis. It may even mean that she requires a stoma to provide bowel function if the damage to her anal sphincter and anal canal cannot be repaired.
If such shocking symptoms cause the woman to suffer a loss of income, this would be taken into account in a successful compensation claim, as well as her pain and suffering.
Specialist legal advice
If you or a loved one have been the victim of negligent maternity care and are struggling with the terrible impact of bowel damage, contact Glynns Solicitors to discuss whether or not it would be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
As a dedicated medical negligence legal practice, all our solicitors are experienced in this complex field of law and will be very happy to guide you through making a claim.
Contact us today to discuss the suitability of making a claim for compensation for your substandard maternity care.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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