Examination Negligence and Compensation for a Third Degree Tear
Post-natal examination is essential to an accurate diagnosis of perineal and anal sphincter damage. Without this, a woman may suffer permanent bowel dysfunction. A successful compensation claim can address the financial impact.
Susceptibility to perineal tears
The majority of women who choose to give birth through the vagina suffer a tear around the perineum. An examination shortly after the delivery of the baby is crucial in order to diagnose if this has, indeed, occurred and to check whether it is limited to the perineum or extends further, into the anal sphincter.
Anal sphincter injuries can be life-changing. Without prompt diagnosis and a skilled repair, a woman will develop distressing bowel problems such as extreme urgency, leakage and incontinence of both wind and faeces.
The psychological, practical and physical consequences can be significant.
Negligence in medical care of the perineum
If the medical professionals present at the birth fail to provide adequate and appropriate care of the new mother's perineum during and following the birth of her baby, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation for the impact which it wreaks upon the woman's quality of life.
Examination failings which may be regarded as negligent could include the following:
- A failure to carry out a perineal examination of the new mother following the birth of the baby
- A failure to carry out a digital rectal examination of the new mother following the birth of the baby
- A failure to recognise that damage has been done to the anal sphincter
- A failure to diagnose damage to the anal sphincter
Making a claim for compensation
If a woman suffers the long-term debilitating symptoms of a third degree tear due to the failings of the medical professionals present at the birth of her baby, she should be entitled to claim compensation for the impact on her life.
Where appropriate, a successful compensation claim would include any loss of earnings due to the woman's symptoms as well as any additional financial losses which have been caused by the negligent medical care.
The first step in making a claim is to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor for guidance and advice.
Specialist legal advice
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with extensive experience of third degree tear claims.
Contact us today to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim if you are struggling with the impact of an unrepaired third degree tear.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
Make An Enquiry
Why Choose Us
- Specialist medical negligence solicitors
- Free initial enquiries
- No win, no fee available
Reviews
Our Expertise
Helping Clients Across England & Wales
