Compensation for 4th Degree Tear Bowel Dysfunction
If you have been left with debilitating bowel symptoms due to negligent care of a 4th degree birth tear, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
What is a 4th degree tear
A 4th degree tear is the most severe form of perineal and anal injury which can sometimes occur during vaginal childbirth. As the vagina and perineum come under pressure when the baby is born, a tear can start which extends as far as the anus. A 4th degree tear causes the following damage to a new mother:
- Torn skin and muscle across the perineum between the vagina and the anus
- A tear through the external anal sphincter muscle
- A tear through the internal anal sphincter muscle
- Damage to the internal lining of the anal canal
The potential effects of such a severe injury can be pretty devastating. The anal sphincter muscles control the passing of both wind and faeces from the bowel. They prevent a woman from passing wind and faeces when she does not wish to and allows her to do so when she does wish to.
Damage to these muscles can leave a woman unable to prevent the passing of wind and faeces, leaving her effectively incontinent.
A 4th degree tear can also result in a rectovaginal fistula, an abnormal passage between the rectum and the vagina which allows wind and faeces to pass between the two and leak from the vagina.
Negligent maternity care and 4th degree tears
Due to the severity of both the injury and its impact, diagnosis and repair of a 4th degree tear is vital as soon as possible after the birth of the baby.
The medical professionals attending the birth must ensure that a thorough examination is carried out including an assessment of the anal sphincter. A failure to do this can mean that severe damage such as a 3rd or 4th degree tear may be missed. Without a diagnosis, a repair is unlikely to happen.
A poor-quality repair will, likewise, leave a woman with on-going symptoms.
Contact a compensation specialist
Claims for medical negligence compensation are a specialist area of law. If you or a loved one are struggling with the distressing impact of an unrepaired 4th degree tear, contact Glynns Solicitors today to talk to a medical negligence lawyer.
We have extensive experience of birth tear compensation claims and will be very happy to talk to you. A successful claim can provide redress for the financial losses caused by the negligence, such as loss of income.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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