Compensation for Failed Birth Tear Repair
If the repair of a severe perineal birth tear fails, the new mother may suffer a range of unpleasant and debilitating symptoms. If this situation results in significant financial losses, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Symptoms of a failed birth tear repair
An effective and skilled repair of an accurately diagnosed severe perineal tear should ensure that the new mother recovers from any bowel symptoms within twelve months. On-going symptoms may suggest that either the repair or the initial diagnosis have been inadequate in some way.
Symptoms of a failed perineal tear repair are likely to include the following:
- Extreme urgency when needing to go to the toilet
- Inability to prevent the passing of wind
- Inability to prevent the passing of faeces
- Discomfort during sexual intercourse
- Perineal infections
The practical and emotional impact of these symptoms can be utterly devastating, often leaving the woman restricted in her activities and employment.
Causes of a failed perineal tear repair
The failure of a repair of a severe birth tear may mean:
- The repair had been carried out to a substandard level. The techniques or the materials used may not have been appropriate to the nature or location of the injury. The repair of severe 3rd and 4th degree perineal tears should be undertaken by an experienced practitioner in an operating theatre. A poor-quality repair by an inexperienced practitioner may fail.
- The injury may have been misdiagnosed after the birth, meaning that the repair did not resolve the entire extent of the tear in the first place.
Either of the above situations may be regarded as negligent and may justify a claim for compensation.
Misdiagnosis
A 3c birth tear which damages both the external and internal anal sphincter can be misdiagnosed as a 3a tear which only damages the external sphincter. If the internal damage is not diagnosed and not repaired, the woman affected is likely to suffer on-going bowel problems.
A 4th degree tear may be inaccurately diagnosed as a 3rd degree tear, again meaning that part of the injury may not be repaired.
Speak to a solicitor
If you are struggling with the appalling impact of a failed birth tear repair, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
Contact Glynns today to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor about your situation.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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