Claiming Compensation For Medical Mismanagement Of Perineal Tears
Professional, effective and accurate medical management of perineal trauma during childbirth is essential to the long-term physical and emotional well-being of the mother. Substandard care may lead to a lifetime of disabling symptoms and a claim for compensation.
Perineal trauma in childbirth
Women giving birth via the vagina are vulnerable to severe damage to the anal sphincter, the muscles that control the bowel and ensure that a person does not pass wind and faeces involuntarily. Severe perineal tears, which can stretch from the vagina across the perineum and into the anus, can be distressing and debilitating.
Consequently, women who have given birth vaginally require meticulous care by medical professionals to ensure that any damage is competently repaired.
Assessment
Women who have given birth through the vagina should undergo a thorough examination after the birth of their child. This should include a digital, rectal examination to assess the condition of the anal sphincter and identify any damage. Perineal tears can damage the external and internal anal muscles as well as the lining of the anal canal. It is important that any damage is promptly and accurately diagnosed and appropriately repaired in order to prevent long-term bowel problems.
A failure by medical professionals to carry out an effective assessment leading to a misdiagnosis may be regarded as substandard care.
A failure to consider a woman's symptoms following childbirth, such as faecal incontinence, thereby allowing a severe perineal tear to go undiagnosed, may also be regarded as poor quality care.
Skilled repair of perineal trauma
Third and fourth degree perineal tears are of such severity that they need to be repaired by a surgeon in an operating theatre. It is not appropriate for them to be stitched by a midwife in the maternity suite.
It is vital that the appropriate methods of repair are used according to the location and nature of the damage. Without this degree of care, the repair may break down and the woman may start to develop severe bowel control problems.
It is also important the full extent of the tear is repaired in order to avoid the continuation of distressing bowel symptoms.
Medical negligence
If the guidelines on the medical management of perineal trauma are not followed effectively, the new mother may face a lifetime of bowel dysfunction. In these circumstances, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Speak to a solicitor
If you are struggling with the on-going impact of a severe birth tear due to poor medical care, contact Glynns Solicitors. We have supported numerous women in making successful compensation claims for poor medical management of perineal tears, and one of our specialist medical negligence 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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