Compensation for Incontinence Following a Forceps Delivery
A woman who has given birth with the assistance of a forceps delivery is at risk of suffering an anal sphincter injury or severe birth tear. Without the correct medical care, the associated bowel symptoms may become permanent.
Instrumental deliveries and perineal trauma
An instrumental delivery, especially where forceps are used, is a risk factor in the occurrence of severe birth tears. Other risk factors include it being a first-time vaginal birth and a large baby.
The additional pressure on the woman's perineum created by a forceps birth can cause a birth tear to extend across her perineum and cause damage to her anal sphincter muscles which control the passing of wind and faeces.
If it is considered necessary for a woman to undergo an instrumental delivery, it may be appropriate to carry out an episiotomy first. This means that a deliberate cut is made to the perineum to ease the pressure of the birth and thereby reduce the risk of the woman suffering a severe tear.
A failure to carry out an appropriate episiotomy prior to a forceps delivery may be regarded as substandard care.
A failure to examine a woman following a forceps delivery for any signs of a severe anal sphincter tear may also be regarded as negligent care.
The effects of a severe birth tear
Symptoms associated with an anal sphincter injury such as incontinence of both wind and faeces can become permanent if any damage is not promptly diagnosed and repaired after the birth of the baby.
If a woman suffers on-going bowel problems following a forceps birth, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation if her medical care is regarded as having been substandard.
She may be experiencing a range of difficulties, not least of which can be the debilitating embarrassment of bowel accidents. This can cause a loss of social confidence and impact on a woman's ability to work.
A successful compensation claim can help to address these issues.
Specialist legal advice
Claiming compensation for medical negligence can be complex, requiring the expertise of both specialist lawyers and medical experts.
Glynns Solicitors is a niche medical negligence legal practice with significant experience of running compensation claims for severe birth tear negligence.
Contact us today if you are struggling with the appalling impact of such an injury. One of our team of solicitors will be very happy to talk to you.
Contact us today to speak to one of our team.
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