Compensating Post-Natal Perineal Negligence
Competent medical care of a woman's perineum following vaginal childbirth is essential if she is to avoid a lifetime of bowel problems. If you are suffering with appalling symptoms due to poor medical care, it might be helpful to make a claim for compensation.
Perineal tear assessment
Women who give birth through the vagina are at risk of a severe perineal tear. This means that the pressure created by the delivery of the baby may force the skin around the vagina to tear. In severe cases, this tear can travel across the perineum and damage the anal sphincter, the muscles which control the passing of wind and faeces.
Clearly, it is vital that any such damage is diagnosed as promptly as possible. This should be achieved through an examination of the woman's perineum including a digital rectal examination of the anus to ensure that all damage is identified. If this is not carried out or severe damage is misdiagnosed, the new mother can suffer on-going symptoms.
Symptoms of an unrepaired severe tear
A woman whose severe 3rd or 4th degree tear has not been effectively repaired may suffer an unpleasant array of symptoms:
- Inability to control the passing of wind
- Inability to prevent the passing of faeces
- Perineal infections
- Pain and discomfort
- If a fistula has developed, the woman may even suffer leakage from the vagina
- The necessity for a stoma to be fitted to replace bowel function
Understandably, such symptoms can affect almost every aspect of a woman's life, making her reliant on immediate access to a toilet and affecting the type of employment she may be able to undertake.
Medical negligence and perineal care
Negligent care of the perineum can present in a variety of actions, or inactions:
- A failure to carry out a thorough examination of the perineum
- A failure to diagnose a severe perineal tear
- A misdiagnosis of a severe perineal tear
- A failure to repair a severe perineal tear effectively or fully. This should happen in an operating theatre with a skilled surgeon, not in the maternity ward.
Speak to a solicitor
If you are struggling with the shocking impact of an unrepaired severe birth tear, contact Glynns Solicitors. As specialists in medical negligence compensation, we have extensive experience of severe perineal tear claims. We understand the terrible psychological as well as physical effect that such a failure of medical care can cause.
Contact us today to talk to one of our team of experienced solicitors about the suitability 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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