Fourth Degree Tear Compensation Claims
An undiagnosed fourth degree tear can cause significant and distressing symptoms which may worsen over time. Where medical professionals have failed to provide an acceptable level of care, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
Fourth degree tears
Further degree tears are the most severe form of anal injury in vaginal childbirth, causing more extensive damage than lesser tears.
Triggered by the pressure of a vaginal delivery, a fourth degree tear travels from the vagina across the perineum and into the anal sphincter muscles. Cutting through both the external and internal sphincter muscles, a fourth degree tear additionally damages the lining of the anal canal.
As a consequence, a fourth degree tear has the potential to cause a fistula or hole to develop between the rectum and the vagina, allowing wind and faeces to leak between the two.
It is a highly-distressing injury with the potential to cause life-changing symptoms if it does not receive competent and prompt medical attention.
Medical negligence
Unfortunately, diagnosis of a fourth degree tear can sometimes be missed, meaning that a repair will not be carried out.
Without a careful digital rectal examination, it is quite possible that the damage to the anal lining will not be suspected.
Where this is the case, and the new mother suffers debilitating symptoms as a result, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Debilitating symptoms
An unrepaired fourth degree tear can cause an array of appalling symptoms including the following:
- Inability to prevent the passing of wind
- Inability to prevent the passing of faeces
- Extreme urgency when needing the toilet
- Leakage of wind and faeces from the vagina
- Perineal infections
- Discomfort in the perineal region
Symptoms such as these can make returning to work extremely difficult and sometimes impossible. For many women it feels almost impossible to leave the home for fear of bowel accidents and from a desire to be ever close to a toilet. The impact on a woman's ability to raise her child can be considerable and the impact on a family's finances can likewise be significant.
Speak to a solicitor
If you are struggling with the distressing impact of an undiagnosed and unrepaired fourth degree tear due to substandard medical care, contact Glynns Solicitors. We are specialists in medical negligence compensation and will be very happy to discuss your situation with you.
Remember that claims for compensation have to be initiated within three years of the date of the alleged negligence so call us today if you think you may have a claim.
Speak to a specialist
If you are suffering bowel difficulties due to an undiagnosed and unrepaired birth tear. Contact Glynns Solicitors today to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
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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