Compensating Stoma Impact Due to Maternity Negligence
If you have been left with a stoma following childbirth, you have been extremely unfortunate. If your situation has been caused by poor-quality medical care, you may be able to make a claim for compensation.
A stoma as a result of childbirth
Around 5% of women who give birth through the vagina suffer a severe tear which causes damage to their anal sphincter muscles. If the medical professionals attending the birth follow the guidelines, the injury will be diagnosed and repaired appropriately in an operating theatre. The new mother should be symptom-free within a year. If guidelines are not followed, however, the injury can remain undiagnosed, unrepaired and causing permanent bowel symptoms.
In some circumstances, a stoma is fitted to provide effective bowel function when the woman's anal damage has impaired her normal function.
The impact of a stoma
The practical effects of needing a stoma are only a part of its impact. The psychological difficulties of coming to terms with a stoma can be utterly devastating.
A woman who has attended hospital to give birth is not expecting to find herself with a permanent stoma and can suffer severe problems with her confidence, experiencing anxiety, depression and struggling to bond with her new baby. She can become socially isolated and struggle to work. Personal relationships can become problematic, causing additional emotional issues.
Practically, the loss of normal bowel function and the need to use a stoma instead can affect a woman's ability to work and may affect the amount of money she can earn.
Claiming compensation
Severe birth tears, also known as 3rd or 4th degree tears, are not unusual and medical professionals have a duty to provide competent and adequate care to ensure that any perineal and anal damage is diagnosed and repaired after birth. Where this does not occur, a woman can make a claim for compensation for her financial losses caused by the negligent maternity care.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are struggling with the shocking impact of an unrepaired severe birth tear and the need for a stoma due to negligent care, contact Glynns Solicitors. We are a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with extensive expertise in maternity negligence claims.
Contact us today to talk to a specialist lawyer 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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