Diagnosis Errors in Childbirth Perineal Tears and Compensation for Negligence.
A error during the process of diagnosis of a severe birth tear can have pretty devastating results for the new mother. A successful compensation claim can address the financial impact.
Severe birth tears
Severe birth tears are so described because the extent of the damage they cause is significant and because the symptoms they can produce can be both distressing and disabling.
3rd and 4th degree tears damage the anal muscles and can leave a new mother with loss of control of the passing of both wind and faeces.
A 4th degree tear can additionally put the woman at risk of developing a rectovaginal fistula and requiring a stoma or suffering leakage from the vagina.
Severe tears are a known risk of vaginal childbirth, especially in the case of first-time mothers, women of Asian extraction and women who have required an instrumental delivery.
A prompt and accurate diagnosis is essential and a failure to achieve this should not be acceptable.
Diagnosis errors in severe perineal tears
Errors in maternity care which can affect the diagnosis, and repair, of a severe maternal birth tear would include the following:
- A failure to carry out an examination of the new mother shortly after the birth of the baby
- A failure to carry out a digital rectal examination of the new mother to assess the condition of her anal muscles
- A failure to recognise that the new mother has suffered a severe birth tear
- A misdiagnosis of a severe birth tear, such as identifying a 3c tear, which affects both external and internal muscles, as a 3a tear which only affects the external muscle
Without a precise and accurate diagnosis, the new mother is unlikely to undergo a repair of her anal injury and may face a lifetime of distressing and debilitating bowel symptoms.
Such symptoms can be life-changing, affecting an individual's self-esteem as well as her ability to support her baby and return to work.
Claiming compensation
If your ability to work and your quality of life have been compromised by a failure by maternity professionals to diagnose a severe birth tear, a successful compensation claim can address the financial impact such as a loss of income or the costs of specialist treatment and equipment.
Speak to a specialist solicitor to discuss the possibility of making a claim.
Glynns Solicitors
Glynns is a legal firm which specialises in medical negligence law with a strong interest in women who have suffered severe birth injuries. We can offer years of experience of supporting women in making claims for the impact of these distressing injuries.
This specialisation ensures that we have the skills ready and waiting to help you in the most efficient and economical way.
It also means that we can offer No Win No Fee funding for medical negligence claims which we will discuss with you during your free initial telephone discussion.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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