Compensating Incontinence after Vaginal Birth Negligence
If you have been left with permanent bowel incontinence due to poor medical care during the vaginal birth of your baby, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
The misery of bowel incontinence cannot really be overstated. Losing control of one's bowel function must be many people's worst nightmare. The associated knock-on effects on self-confidence, quality of life and ability to work can be dramatic and permanent.
Severe birth tears which damage the anal sphincter and therefore affect the woman's ability to control her bowel function occur in about 5% of vaginal births. Over the course of a year, this amounts to a not inconsiderable number of injuries. It is imperative, therefore, that women who are giving birth in this way, receive the best possible medical care not only to reduce their risk of suffering a tear but to maximise the likelihood of recovery.
Vaginal birth CARE Bundles
Packages of advice designed to reduce the occurrence of severe perineal birth tears make a number of recommendations:
- Ensure that the pregnant woman is informed of the risks of severe birth tears and is advised as to how to reduce the likelihood of suffering one
- Protect the perineum manually during vaginal birth to reduce the chance of a severe tear occurring
- Carry out a medio-lateral episiotomy where circumstances indicate that this might be necessary
- Undertake a thorough examination f the new mother shortly after the birth including a digital rectal examination for anal sphincter damage
Classification of severe birth tears
If the new mother is unfortunate enough to have suffered a severe tear (also referred to as an obstetric anal sphincter injury), it is essential that the medical professionals attendant at the birth make an accurate diagnosis. Severe birth tears come in four different types:
- A 3a tear which damages less than half of the external anal muscle
- A 3b tear which damages more than half of the anal sphincter muscle
- A 3c tear which damages both external and internal anal muscles
- A 4th degree tear which additionally damages the internal lining of the anal canal
A misdiagnosis can mean that the new mother's severe tear goes partially unrepaired and she continues to suffer debilitating and distressing symptoms.
Speak to a solicitor
If you are struggling with the appalling effects of a severe birth tear which has not received the appropriate medical care, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
The long-term impact may cause a reduction in your ability to work and a loss of income which a successful claim can resolve.
Contact Glynns Solicitors to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor about your experience.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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