Claiming Compensation for OASI Negligence
Negligent medical management of obstetric anal sphincter injuries can cause a lifetime of misery for the woman affected and may justify a claim for compensation.
What is an OASI?
An obstetric anal sphincter injury is a birth tear, which can occur during a vaginal delivery, which damages the muscles which control the bowel (the anal sphincter).
Obstetric anal sphincter injuries are otherwise referred to as 3rd and 4th degree tears and require accurate diagnosis and skilled repair in order to ensure that the new mother does not suffer loss of bowel function for the rest of her life.
When medical professionals do not provide adequate levels of care, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Guidelines on diagnosis of birth tears
Clear guidelines exist on the diagnosis and classification of birth tears.
Once a woman has given birth through the vagina, it is essential that she undergoes a thorough assessment including a digital, rectal examination to check the condition of her anal sphincter.
Any damage should then be diagnosed in line with the classification tiers as described by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists:
- 1st degree tear, affecting the skin around the vagina and perineum
- 2nd degree tear, affecting the skin and muscle of the perineum
- 3a tear additionally damaging less than 50% of the external anal sphincter
- 3b tear, affecting more than 50% of the anal sphincter
- 3c tear affecting both the external anal sphincter and the internal muscle
- 4th degree tear, additionally affecting the internal lining of the anal canal
Guidelines on the pair of OASIs
Damage to the anal sphincter, such as that inflicted by 3rd and 4th degree tears, is of such severity and complexity that it is not appropriate for it to be repaired on the maternity ward. It needs to be repaired by an experienced surgeon in a suitably-equipped operating theatre, using the techniques as recommended by the RCOG.
A failure to diagnose such an injury accurately, therefore, can lead either to a poor-quality repair or to no repair at all.
Speak to a solicitor
If you are struggling with the impact of the appalling symptoms of an obstetric anal sphincter injury due to negligent medical care, contact Glynns to talk to a specialist solicitor with experience in birth tear claims.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
Make An Enquiry
Why Choose Us
- Specialist medical negligence solicitors
- Free initial enquiries
- No win, no fee available
Reviews
Our Expertise
Helping Clients Across England & Wales
