Episiotomy Negligence and Instrumental Birth Injuries
If you are suffering with the long-term impact of a severe birth tear following a negligence instrumental delivery, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Instrumental delivery risk
An instrumental delivery, such as with forceps or a ventouse, is a risk factor in the occurrence of severe birth tears. A severe birth tear is one which causes damage to the anal sphincter muscles as well as the skin and muscle of the perineum.
Without prompt diagnosis and repair, such an injury can leave a new mother facing a lifetime of bowel incontinence, struggling to work and struggling with her mental health.
Negligent care in relation to an instrumental delivery may leave a new mother with an injury to her anal muscles and, without a prompt repair, this can mean a lifetime of bowel incontinence.
Episiotomy and instrumental deliveries
If it is considered necessary for a woman giving birth vaginally to have the assistance of an instrumental delivery, it is often recommended that she should undergo an episiotomy beforehand. An episiotomy is a deliberate surgical cut to the woman's perineum which should ease the pressure of the delivery and reduce the risk of a severe birth tear occurring. A failure by medical professionals to carry out an episiotomy in these circumstances may be regarded as negligent. If the new mother suffers a severe 3rd or 4th degree tear and suffers on-going bowel problems as a result, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
If an episiotomy is carried out, it is recommended that it is a mediolateral episiotomy which cuts away from the midline. An error in executing the episiotomy can mean that it does not provide the intended protection for the perineum and anal sphincter.
Examination and diagnosis negligence
It is essential that a woman who has undergone an instrumental delivery is examined thoroughly after the birth, including an assessment of her anal sphincter muscles.
Without a scrupulous examination, a severe injury can be missed, leaving the new mother with bowel dysfunction.
The relevant medical professionals may be regarded as having provided substandard care.
Claiming compensation
If you are suffering long-term bowel difficulties following the birth of your baby and think you may have been the victim of poor-quality medical care, it is important to get specialist legal advice.
Here at Glynns Solicitors, we have extensive expertise in supporting compensation claims for birth tear negligence and one of our team will be very happy to help you.
Don't forget that compensation claims for medical negligence need to be instigated within three years of the date of the alleged negligence.
Contact us today to talk to a specialist solicitor about the possibility 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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