Claiming Compensation for Perineal Tear Negligence
If you are suffering on-going symptoms because the medical care of your maternal birth injury was substandard, it might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Negligent care of the perineum in childbirth
Severe perineal tears during vaginal childbirth require prompt diagnosis and a skilled repair. If medical professionals failed to provide either of these services, leaving you with debilitating symptoms, they may be regarded as having been negligent.
Severe perineal tears are also referred to as 3rd or 4th degree tears, or OASI (obstetric anal sphincter injuries). Essentially what happens is that the pressure of vaginal childbirth occasionally causes the skin and muscle of the perineum to tear between the vagina and the anus. If this injury extends further, it will affect the integrity and function of the anal sphincter muscles which control the function of the bowel.
Such an injury needs to be accurately diagnosed in order to ensure that a surgical repair is carried out. A failure to examine a new mother, a failure to identify her injury or a misdiagnosis might all be considered to be negligent.
Long-term impact of perineal negligence
A result of such negligence is likely to be on-going symptoms of bowel incontinence for the new mother. In practice this will mean that she will find it difficult to prevent the passing of wind and faeces because her anal muscles are not working properly.
As can be imagined, not only are these symptoms a cause of considerable distress and embarrassment, but they can also affect a woman's ability to work. Areas of employment such as healthcare, hospitality and education may no longer be accessible, resulting in a significant loss of income.
Claiming compensation
A successful compensation claim can address issues of financial losses such as being unable to work due to the symptoms you are experiencing or being only able to work part-time.
Remember, however, that a claim for compensation for medical negligence needs to be commenced within three years of the date of the alleged negligence.
Therefore, if you believe you suffered substandard care of your 3rd degree tear in March 2019, you will need to initiate a claim for compensation, if appropriate, by March 2022.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are struggling with appalling bowel problems such as those described, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation for your pain, suffering and financial losses.
Contact Glynns Solicitors today. We are specialists in medical negligence compensation with considerable experience in maternal birth injury claims. One of our team of expert lawyers will be very happy to talk to you about the suitability of making a claim.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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