Compensating the Effects of Delayed Diagnosis of Maternal Birth Injuries
If you or a loved one are struggling with the shocking effects of a third or fourth degree tear due to poor-quality maternity care, contact Glynns Solicitors.
Maternal birth injuries
A recent survey of the impact of maternal injuries in the UK, Australia and New Zealand (Birth Injuries: The Hidden Epidemic,) identified that one in ten of the women surveyed had waited for more than a year before their injury was diagnosed. Many women felt that their concerns and symptoms had not been taken seriously and that their on-going physical and emotional difficulties were affecting their lives negatively in a wide range of ways. Many of the respondents had not received any treatment.
Third and fourth degree tears, the most severe form of childbirth perineal tears, were the most common form of injury reported in the survey. These shocking injuries can leave a new mother with debilitating symptoms of wind and faecal urgency or incontinence. If no repair is carried out or if the repair is not successful, the impact can include the following in addition to the practical problems and physical pain:
- A loss of self-confidence
- Damage to personal relationships
- Difficulty bonding with the new baby
- Loss of employment and income due to the symptoms
- Social isolation
- Anxiety and depression
Third and fourth degree tear diagnosis and repair
Third and fourth degree tears need to be diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible after the birth of a baby.
The guidelines of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommend that all women who have given birth through the vagina should undergo a thorough examination including a digital rectal assessment. The purpose of this is to ensure that a 3rd or 4th degree tear is not missed. If such an examination is not carried out, the injury may not be diagnosed and no repair will take place.
The relevant medical professionals attendant at the birth may be regarded as having been negligent in their care of the new mother. It may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation for the on-going impact.
Where the woman is unable to work, or is restricted in the nature of her employment and income, these financial losses would be included in a successful claim. This may not resolve all the problems being experienced by the new mother but it may provide a sense that her difficulties have now been recognised and will ease any financial difficulties caused by the negligent care.
Speak to a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with extensive experience of severe perineal tear claims.
Contact us 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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