Compensating Fourth Degree Tear Medical Negligence
A fourth degree tear is the worst and most disabling form of perineal maternal birth injury. If medical failings have left your tear unrepaired, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
4th degree tears
Fourth degree perineal tears are injuries which extend from the vagina across the perineum and through the anal sphincter to damage the lining of the anal canal. Damaging both the external and internal anal sphincter, a 4th degree tear will compromise the new mother's bowel function, potentially leaving her incontinent of both wind and faeces.
If unrepaired, a 4th degree tear can also lead to the development of a rectovaginal fistula between the bowel and the vagina, allowing wind and faeces to leak through from one to the other.
The effects of a 4th degree tear
The impact of such a severe injury can be life-changing if it is not diagnosed as repaired effectively shortly after the birth of the baby.
Being incontinent of both wind and faeces can damage a woman psychologically as well as physically and limit her capacity to work. The long-term financial implications can be devastating as well as the emotional and practical impact.
Medical negligence
Fourth degree tears need to be diagnosed promptly and accurately. If this does not take place, the new mother may be left with an unrepaired injury. The relevant medical professional may be regarded as having provided substandard care and it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
How a compensation claim can help
If an individual is deprived of their capacity to work, or if they suffer a significant reduction in income due to the impact of poor-quality medical care, they are entitled to recompense.
They are entitled by law to be restored to the financial position they would have been in but for the negligence. Therefore, if medical negligence has caused a woman to require personal care, a successful compensation claim should also take those costs into account.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are struggling with the shocking impact of a 4th degree tear due to substandard medical care, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.
Contact Glynns Solicitors, specialists in medical negligence compensation, to talk to a solicitor with expertise in maternal birth injury claims.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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