Compensating the Physical and Psychological Impact of Negligent OASI Care
The long-term impact of substandard care of an anal sphincter injury in childbirth can be utterly life-changing and devastating to a new mother.
What is negligent OASI care?
An OASI is an injury during vaginal childbirth which causes damage to the muscles which control bowel function.
The potential impact of these injuries, also called 3rd and 4th degree tears, is so traumatic that prompt and skilled diagnosis and repair are necessary as soon as possible after the birth of the baby. Substandard care, resulting in a failure to diagnose or a poor-quality repair may be regarded as negligent.
The physical impact
The physical impact of an undiagnosed anal sphincter birth injury is the loss of the ability to prevent or control the passing of wind and faeces. This can result in pain, discomfort, perineal infections and, in some circumstances, the need for a stoma to be fitted to provide bowel function.
A woman's life can become focussed on her need for access to a toilet and arranging her day around her hygiene needs.
Her physical symptoms may affect the type of work she is able to do, making some forms of employment no longer available to her such as hospitality, health and social care and education.
The psychological impact
However, the psychological or emotional impact can sometimes be equally debilitating. Women with faecal and flatal incontinence may well suffer from anxiety, depression, a loss of confidence and increasing social isolation due to their fear of leaving their home.
Working may become all but impossible due to their psychological symptoms and personal relationships can suffer. Bonding with and supporting their baby can sometimes be extremely problematic, further exacerbating their emotional issues.
Diagnosis failure and medical negligence
Medical professionals may be regarded as having provided negligent care in the following circumstances:
- If they fail to carry out a suitably thorough post-natal perineal examination including an assessment of the anal sphincter, both external and internal
- If they make a misdiagnosis of the woman's injuries
- If a substandard repair is carried out leaving the woman susceptible to on-going incontinence problems
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are struggling with the appalling consequences of negligent perineal and anal sphincter care following the birth of your baby, seek legal advice as soon as possible.
Glynns Solicitors is a specialist medical negligence legal practice with extensive expertise in anal sphincter injury negligence.
Contact us today to talk to one of our experienced lawyers, free of charge, 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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