Extended Perineal Injuries and When to Claim Compensation
A perineal birth tear which damages the anal sphincter requires careful and competent medical care. A failure of care may justify a claim for compensation if the new mother suffers on-going bowel problems as a result.
Extended perineal injuries
Injuries during vaginal childbirth which remain restricted to the perineum between the vagina and the anus are most likely to repair promptly, leaving the new mother with no long-term symptoms.
Injuries or tears which extend beyond the perineum are an entirely different matter and can threaten the woman's long term physical health and psychological well-being.
Extended perineal injuries are more specifically referred to as either 3rd or 4th degree tears or OASI (obstetric anal sphincter injuries). These injuries additionally cause damage to the muscles around the anus which control the passing of both wind and faeces. These external and internal muscles are jointly referred to as the anal sphincter.
A key difference between a strictly perineal injury and one which also damages the anal sphincter is the way in which they are repaired. 3rd and 4th degree tears need to be repaired in an operating theatre by an experienced surgeon, using the appropriate materials and techniques according to the extent and location of the injury. Without such a repair, the new mother may continue to suffer debilitating loss of bowel control.
When to claim compensation
If you are struggling with the symptoms of an unrepaired 3rd or 4th degree birth tear, contact a specialist solicitor as soon as possible. If you think you may be in a position to make a claim for compensation, your solicitor will need plenty of time in which to investigate the quality of your care and its impact on your long-term health outcome. This will require an analysis of your medical records and can be a lengthy process. Claims for compensation for medical negligence are associated with a three-year deadline so it is important that this process starts as soon after the period of negligence as possible.
Speak with a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with extensive experience in high-value perineal tear compensation claims.
Contact us today to speak to a solicitor, free of charge, if you or a loved one are struggling with debilitating bowel problems and believe that you may have been the victim of negligent maternity care.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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