Compensation for Permanent Third Degree Tear Symptoms
A delay in carrying out surgery to repair a severe anal tear in childbirth may reduce the likelihood of success and leave the new mother with permanent symptoms.
Severe birth tears
A minority of women suffer a severe tear during vaginal childbirth. This means that the injury they experience goes beyond damage to their perineum and also tears the muscles which control their bowel function, the anal sphincter.
Unrepaired, the long-term impact of such an injury can be utterly devastating depriving the woman of control of her bowel function. This may mean extreme urgency but may also mean the loss of the ability to control the passing of both wind and faeces, leaving the woman incontinent.
In order to prevent such a shocking outcome, three procedures need to be carried out by the medical professionals attendant at the birth:
- 1) A thorough examination of the new mother including a digital, rectal examination
- 2) Accurate diagnosis and recording of any perineal and anal damage
- 3) A competent, effective and comprehensive repair by a skilled surgeon in an operating theatre
A failure of any of these three actions can leave the woman permanently suffering symptoms which can affect almost every aspect of her life.
The long-term impact of a severe birth tear
Psychologically, practically and financially, a woman can feel the appalling impact of loss of bowel control. Her confidence may suffer and she may become reluctant to leave her home for fear of bowel accidents. Personal relationships can suffer and she may find it difficult to bond with and support her baby. Her ability to work may be restricted by her bowel problems, causing further loss of self-esteem and possible loss of income.
This distressing cocktail of effects can be hard to cope with, especially if the woman feels that she should not have suffered such an appalling outcome.
For many of our clients, an apology for their poor-quality medical care and an acknowledgement that their treatment was negligent is fundamental to their recovery.
Claiming compensation
A successful compensation claim can address the problems which the negligence has caused. It can provide recompense for financial losses as well as for the pain and suffering of the individual affected.
If you think you have been the victim of substandard medical care, seek advice from a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
Here at Glynns we have supported many women in claiming compensation for the poor level of care they experienced during the birth of their baby. Contact us today to talk to one of our team of specialist solicitors.
Contact us today to speak to one of our team.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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