Compensation for Life Changes Following Negligent OASI
The impact of an obstetric anal sphincter injury can be completely life-changing. If these severe injuries do not receive the correct medical care promptly, the appalling symptoms can become permanent.
A woman who had anticipated an active, supportive life with her baby and who had planned to return to work may find that all these activities are denied her.
An obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) is one which tears the anal sphincter muscles. This is thought to happen to around 5% of women who give birth through the vagina, with first-time mothers being particularly at risk. With a prompt and skilled repair, the woman should make a good recovery and enjoy controlled bowel function. If the injury is not diagnosed, however, distressing and disabling symptoms may become an all-consuming part of daily life.
The wide-ranging impact of an OASI
The impact of a 3rd or 4th degree tear can affect a woman physically, practically, emotionally, socially and financially.
Loss of anal function can lead to extreme urgency and incontinence of both wind and faeces, the on-going impact of which can be extremely difficult to deal with and can cause significant psychological problems.
Women in this situation may experience the following difficulties
- Severe difficulties in managing bowel function
- Reluctance to leave the home and associated social anxiety and isolation
- Difficulties with travel and socialising
- Difficulties in bonding with their baby
- Difficulties in supporting the socialisation of their child and in undertaking a range of activities usual in the nurturing of a baby and raising of a child
- Difficulty in accessing employment and the possible loss of a planned career
- Financial difficulties due to reduced income
- Extreme pressure on personal relationships
Negligent medical OASI care
The long-term impact of OASI is such that scrupulous and prompt medical care is crucial.
A failure by medical professionals to examine a woman for anal damage, a failure to make an accurate damage and a poor-quality repair could all be regarded as negligent care.
In these circumstances, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation which can address the financial impact of the poor-quality care.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are struggling with the shocking impact of an obstetric anal sphincter injury due to negligent medical care, contact Glynns Solicitors.
We have supported numerous women in settling highly-successful compensation claims for substandard maternity care and have developed considerable expertise in this field.
Contact us today to talk to one of our experienced lawyers about you situation and 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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