Claiming for Anal Sphincter Dysfunction After Childbirth
If medical professionals fail to repair the damage to your anal sphincter after vaginal childbirth, it might be possible to make a claim for compensation.
Anal sphincter damage in childbirth
The anal sphincter consists of the internal and external muscles which allow you to control the passing of both wind and faeces. The loss of this capacity is most people's worst nightmare but it can happen following vaginal childbirth.
Under the pressure of childbirth, a tear can commence from the vagina and spread across the perineum and affect the anal muscles.
The long-term consequences can be devastating, causing a myriad of on-going practical, psychological and financial effects.
The internal anal muscle prevents the accidental passing of faeces, during sleep for example. The external anal muscle is controlled by the individual to carry out the process of passing wind and faeces. If either or both of these muscles are damaged, it is inevitable that bowel control is reduced. If both are damaged, the loss of control of the bowel may become permanent.
Any damage to the anal sphincter must be identified as promptly as possible and a repair requires the attention of a skilled and experienced surgeon.
At risk of anal damage
All women are susceptible to a severe birth tear during vaginal childbirth but some are more vulnerable including the following:
- Women who are giving birth vaginally for the first time
- Women who are carrying a large baby
- Women who are of Asian ethnicity
- Women who have required an instrumental delivery
- Where the baby has experienced shoulder dystocia, becoming stuck behind the pubic bone
Medical negligence
High-quality medical care is essential in preventing and caring for severe perineal and anal damage. However, medical failings do occur:
- A failure to examine a new mother for anal sphincter damage may be regarded as poor-quality care
- A failure diagnose trauma accurately may also be regarded as negligent
- A failure to carry out an appropriate and effective repair may be regarded as substandard care
If a woman suffers the distressing and debilitating impact of anal sphincter dysfunction due to poor quality medical care, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
A successful compensation claim can provide recompense for the pain and suffering experienced as well as the associated financial losses. This might include loss of income where the new mother is unable to work or restricted in her employment.
Speak to a solicitor
Contact Glynns Solicitors if you believe you might have cause to make a compensation claim.
We have considerable expertise in birth tear trauma claims and one of our team of specialist 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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