Claiming Compensation for Unrepaired Perineal Trauma
If you suffered a severe perineal and anal tear during the birth of your baby, a prompt repair is crucial. A failure by medical professionals to ensure that this is carried out may be regarded as negligent and justify a claim for compensation.
Anal sphincter injuries
An anal sphincter injury during vaginal childbirth can seriously impede a woman's control of her bowels, Also known as 3rd and 4th degree tears, these birth injuries damage the anal sphincter muscles which enable a woman to prevent the uncontrolled passing of wind and faeces. If the muscles are damaged by childbirth, their function may be compromised and the woman can start to suffer the following symptoms:
- Extreme urgency when needing the toilet
- Loss of ability to control the passing of wind and faeces
- Leakage of wind and faeces from the vagina if a fistula has developed subsequent to 4th degree damage to the anal lining
- Discomfort during sexual intercourse
- Perineal infections
Repairing severe tears
A severe 3rd or 4th degree birth tear needs to be diagnosed and surgically repaired shortly after the birth of the baby. This procedure requires the attention of a skilled and experienced surgeon with expertise in this area of surgery. If the full extent of the injury is not repaired in an effective manner, the wound may break down and the woman may suffer renewed symptoms.
A significant delay in repairing such an injury may mean that the repair, when it is carried out, is less successful in restoring muscle function than had it been carried out at the time of the birth.
Medical negligence
If your severe birth tear was not repaired, it is possible that you were the victim of negligent care and it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Severe bowel problems can affect almost every aspect of life, from employment prospects, to travelling on public transport, to socialising and personal relationships. It can also affect and limit the ways in which a mother can support her children as they grow up.
Psychologically, it can be devastating. A woman does not approach childbirth thinking that she may lose control of her bowel as a result. The anticipation of the birth of a baby is not usually associated with lifelong disability and distress.
Speak to a solicitor
If you are suffering severe bowel problems due to an undiagnosed and unrepaired 3rd or 4th degree tear, contact Glynns Solicitors to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor about making a claim for compensation.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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