Forceps Maternal Birth Injury and Claiming Compensation
If you suffered a severe tear during a forceps delivery which was skilfully repaired, you should now be symptom-free. If, however, your tear either went undiagnosed or your repair was substandard, you may now be suffering distressing and disabling bowel symptoms. If this is the case, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Forceps delivery and severe tears
A forceps delivery puts the new mother at a heightened risk of suffering a severe birth tear. All vaginal deliveries have an attendant risk of a birth tear but the additional pressure of a forceps birth increases the risk of a woman suffering an extended tear, either a 3rd and 4th degree tear, which damages the anal sphincter.
Third and fourth degree tears represent significant injuries to a woman's anatomy, damaging her ability to control the passing of wind and faeces. Indeed, a fourth degree tear can even lead to the development of a rectovaginal fistula, allowing wind and faeces to leak from the vagina.
The consequences for a woman's confidence, quality of life, ability to work and capacity to support her baby can be dramatic.
Negligent maternity care of a forceps birth
The additional risks associated with a forceps delivery require scrupulous medical care to ensure that the new mother does not suffer life-changing symptoms.
Negligent or substandard medical care of this situation which might cause permanent disability and justify a claim for compensation could include the following examples:
- A failure to perform an episiotomy prior to an instrumental delivery, thereby further increasing the risk of a severe tear
- A failure to carry out a thorough perineal examination including a digital rectal examination to check for any anal damage
- A failure to recognise an damage to the anal sphincter
- A misdiagnosis of damage such as diagnosing a 3c tear as a 3a tear
- A failure to carry out an effective and comprehensive repair of any anal sphincter damage
Claiming compensation
If negligent medical care leaves an individual with life-changing symptoms which would not have been the case with an acceptable level of care, they are entitled to claim compensation for the impact of that negligence. This may include compensation for a loss of income or the costs of care where that is necessary.
Contact Glynns Solicitors, specialists in medical negligence law, to discuss your situation and 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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