Compensating Negligent Long-term Impact of Maternal Birth Tear
Perineal and anal injuries during vaginal childbirth are not uncommon and require prompt and competent medical attention. If you are suffering distressing and debilitating long-term symptoms, it is possible that either you suffered an injury which has not been diagnosed correctly or your surgical repair was in adequate.
Bowel symptoms of an anal birth tear
Some degree of bowel difficulty following vaginal childbirth is not unusual but if significant symptoms persist, there may be a problem. Severe birth tears, referred to as third or fourth degree tears depending on the extent and location of damage, can cause the following permanent health problems if they do not receive the correct treatment.
- Loss of ability to prevent the passing of wind
- Loss of ability to prevent the passing of faeces
- Extreme urgency when needing the toilet
- Infections of the perineal area between the legs
- Discomfort, especially during sexual intercourse
Medical negligence
After the birth of your baby you should have undergone a thorough examination of the area around the vagina and perineum, including a digital rectal examination to assess the condition of your anal sphincter muscles.
If this did not happen, you may have suffered a tear to these muscles which has affect the ability of your bowel to function properly. It is also possible that your injury was noted but incorrectly diagnosed. In either of these circumstances, it is likely that you did not receive a surgical repair.
Without a repair, a tear to your anal sphincter will mean a degree of bowel dysfunction, leading to urgency and possible leakage.
If you did undergo a repair but are continuing to suffer distressing symptoms, it is possible that your repair was not adequate to the nature of your injury. Your repair may have broken down, allowing symptoms to recur and possibly worsen over time.
Claiming compensation
If your symptoms are such as to affect the quality of your life adversely, you are entitled to make a claim for compensation.
It is very difficult to work effectively in several areas of employment if you are unable to prevent the passing of wind and faeces and this may have caused a significant reduction in your income.
If this is the case, a successful compensation claim should provide recompense for your financial losses.
Speak to a solicitor
Contact Glynns Solicitors if you believe you have a claim. We are specialists in medical negligence law with extensive experience of birth tear claims and one of our team of solicitors will be happy to help you.
Speak to a specialist
If you are suffering bowel difficulties due to an undiagnosed and unrepaired birth tear. Contact Glynns Solicitors today to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
Contact us today to talk to a specialist solicitor about the possibility of making a claim for compensation.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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