Compensating Financial Losses Due to Undiagnosed 3rd Degree Tear
If medical professionals have failed to diagnose severe damage in childbirth, it may be possible to claim compensation for subsequent financial losses. Read on to find out how.
Third degree tears
A third degree tear during vaginal childbirth, otherwise referred to as an obstetric anal sphincter injury, is a significant and potentially disabling injury. Starting from the vagina as the baby is born, a third degree tear cuts across the woman's perineum and causes damage to the external and sometimes also the internal muscles which control bowel function.
Such a severe injury requires a repair in an operating theatre by an experienced surgeon. And for that to take place, it needs firstly to be diagnosed promptly and accurately.
If a 3rd degree tear remains undiagnosed and unrepaired, the long-term symptoms can be extremely distressing and debilitating. If the anal sphincter is unable to function effectively, the new mother may find that she cannot prevent the passing of wind and faeces. At best, she may experience extreme urgency when she needs to defecate, making it stressful to be far from a toilet.
The possible financial impact
An individual who has lost bowel control may find that some areas of employment are no longer easily accessible. For example, it may feel difficult to work in jobs such as nursing, teaching, retail, policing and hospitality.
This, combined with a possible difficulty in being able to undertake full-time work due to bowel problems, can cause a significant loss of income.
A successful compensation claim can address this highly stressful issue. If a failure by medical professionals to diagnose and repair a third degree tear has left a woman with a reduced income and additional costs of living, those financial losses could be taken into account as part of the claim.
Diagnosing severe birth tears
According to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, women who have given birth through the vagina should receive a thorough examination, including a digital rectal examination after the birth. All damage should be accurately and precisely classified according to their guidelines.
A failure to examine, a failure to diagnose, or a misdiagnosis may be regarded as substandard care and may justify a claim for compensation.
Contact a specialist today
Here at Glynns Solicitors, we have supported many women in making claims for compensation following a misdiagnosis of perineal birth damage. As a specialist medical negligence legal practice, we are well placed to understand your difficulties and guide you through the complex process of making a claim.
Contact us today if you are struggling with the appalling impact of an undiagnosed 3rd degree tear.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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