Compensation for Stoma after Vaginal Childbirth
Women who give birth vaginally are at risk of severe injury to the bowel muscles. If medical professionals fail to diagnose and repair such an injury, it might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Severe perineal tears
Severe birth tears, also referred to as 3rd and 4th degree perineal tears are a risk of childbirth. Such is the potential for long-term disability as a result of these injuries, it is vital that medical professionals take every care to ensure that any injury is diagnosed and repaired promptly after the birth.
Sadly, this does not always happen and new mothers are left with on-going debilitating symptoms including the following:
- Inability to control the passing of wind
- Inability to control the passing of faeces
- Extreme urgency when needing to go to the toilet
- Leakage from the vagina
- Discomfort during sexual intercourse
- Infections of the perineum, the area between the vagina and the anus
In the worst scenarios, it is sometimes necessary for the woman to undergo a colostomy on a temporary or permanent basis due to her poor bowel function.
The severity of these symptoms can sometimes mean that the new mother is unable to return to work or is restricted in what she can do or the amount of hours she can work. If this scenario means that she suffers a loss of income, it might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation for those financial losses.
Diagnosing perineal trauma
Third and fourth degree tears damage the anal sphincter. At best, they may only cause injury to the external muscle but, at worst, they may damage the internal muscle and ling of the anal canal, even causing an abnormal passage to develop between the anus and the vagina. These severe injuries need the attention of a skilled surgeon but this will not happen if the injury has not been diagnosed.
Perineal tear CARE bundles recommend the ways in which women should be assessed following vaginal birth. However, if these guidelines are not followed, any injury may remain undiagnosed.
Speak to a solicitor
If you are struggling with the appalling symptoms of an unrepaired or poorly-repaired perineal tear, contact Glynns Solicitors to discuss whether a compensation claim might be appropriate.
We have supported numerous women in making claims for poor care of perineal trauma and will be very happy to talk to you 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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