Compensating Bowel Problems after Childbirth Tear
If significant bowel problems following a vaginal birth are considered to be the result of negligent maternity care, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
Anal injuries in vaginal childbirth
It seems shocking that giving birth to a baby through the vagina can occasionally cause the new mother to suffer a tear of sufficient severity to undermine her bowel function. Severe perineal tears, also referred to as OASI or 3rd and 4th degree tears, occur to around five percent of women who choose to give birth this way. As well as affecting the area between the vagina and the anus, these severe injuries cause damage to the muscles around the anus which control the passing of wind and faeces.
Without a prompt and comprehensive repair, the new mother can face a lifetime of incontinence of both wind and faeces. Not surprisingly, these symptoms cause significant distress and loss of confidence as well as affecting a woman's ability to work, socialise, support her baby and sustain her personal relationships.
Negligence in vaginal deliveries
Although the vast majority of women do not experience these appalling injuries, they are a known risk of vaginal childbirth and demand the most scrupulous and knowledgeable medical attention.
Unfortunately, this does not always happen and the new mother is left with developing symptoms.
Examples of negligence which may cause this distressing outcome and which may justify a claim for compensation could include the following:
- A failure to carry out a thorough perineal and rectal examination of the mother following the birth of the baby
- A failure to recognise that an injury has occurred which has affected the anal sphincter
- A misdiagnosis of an injury to the anal sphincter
All of the above may result in a failure to initiate the surgical repair which is essential to the woman's long-term anal integrity and bowel continence.
A poor-quality surgical repair which leaves the new mother suffering disabling symptoms may also be regarded as negligent and may justify a claim.
Making a claim
If bowel problems have left you struggling and you suspect that you may have been the victim of medical negligence, you should speak to a specialist solicitor.
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with extensive experience of birth tear claims.
Contact us today to speak with a solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility 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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