Compensating the Medical Mismanagement of a Third Degree Tear
Medical mismanagement of a third degree tear can leave a woman with permanent and debilitating bowel problems. It may also justify a claim for compensation.
Why does a 3rd degree tear matter?
A third degree tear occasionally occurs during vaginal childbirth. It is a form of perineal tear which extends beyond the perineum and causes damage to the anal sphincter, the muscles which combine to provide control of bowel movements and the passing of wind.
The problem is that, if a 3rd, or indeed a 4th, degree tear remains undiagnosed and unrepaired, the new mother will start to experience significant problems with bowel control. She will suffer extreme urgency when needing to go to the toilet and may experience leakage or incontinence of both wind and faeces.
Symptoms of this nature are likely to affect a woman's self-confidence at the very least. They may also affect her ability to earn a living, making some forms of employment no longer accessible such as hospitality, education, retail and healthcare.
If such a distressing and financially damaging outcome is due to negligent maternity care, it would be possible to make a claim for compensation.
Effective medical management of a third degree tear
In order to ensure that a new mother has the best chance of recovering from a 3rd degree tear, the following steps are essential:
- The new mother should undergo a thorough perineal examination following the birth of her child, including a digital rectal examination
- Any damage to the anal sphincter should be diagnosed accurately and completely
- The damage to the anal sphincter, as well as any damage to the anal canal if the woman has a 4th degree tear, should be fully repaired by an experienced surgeon in an operating theatre using the correct materials and techniques
Negligent care and compensation
If medical professionals provide substandard care, resulting in the new mother suffering physical difficulties which would not have been the case with competent and appropriate care, it might be possible to make a claim for compensation.
A successful claim would take account of any financial losses such as any loss of income or additional costs of care due to the symptoms resulting from the negligent care.
Speak to a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a team of experienced lawyers waiting to take your call.
If you are struggling with the effects of negligent maternity care, call us today to speak with a solicitor, free of charge, 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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