Fourth Degree Tear Damage and Claiming Compensation
If medical professionals do not identify fourth degree damage to a woman's anal muscles after she has given birth through the vagina, she may suffer permanent bowel dysfunction.
Fourth degree tear negligence
It is difficult to overstate the impact of a fourth degree tear where it remains undiagnosed and unrepaired. These appalling birth-related injuries can cause permanent bowel incontinence, severe vaginal leakage and may necessitate the fitting of a stoma. The physical, psychological and financial implications can be life-changing.
Physically and practically, a woman may find that her life comes to revolve around managing her bowel incontinence.
Psychologically, the impact can be devastating. The issue of bowel incontinence continues to feel life a social taboo and can often lead to a loss of self-confidence and increasing social isolation. Personal relationships can suffer as can a woman's mental health.
Financially, the consequences of bowel incontinence can cause a significant loss of income if a woman is unable to continue to work for either emotional or practical reasons.
Competent medical care
It is, therefore, absolutely essential that a woman is thoroughly examined after she has given birth vaginally. Without such an assessment, including a digital rectal examination of the anal muscles, it is quite possible that severe tears, particularly a fourth degree tear, is missed. A fourth degree tear is the most severe form of maternal birth injury, causing damage to the inner lining of the anal canal as well as damaging the external and internal anal muscles.
If such an appalling injury is not diagnosed, it is unlikely that the new mother will undergo a repair and she will start to develop issues of wind and faecal incontinence.
If she suffers significant financial losses which would not have occurred had it not been for the medical negligence and the associated problems, it would be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Claiming compensation for medical negligence
Medical negligence compensation claims are extremely complex and you would be best advised to engage the services of a specialist lawyer. They will be able to advise you as to the validity and likely value of your claim, as well as being able to access the best medical experts who will examine your medical records and assess the quality of your care.
Speak to a specialist
If you or a loved one are struggling with the appalling effects of a fourth degree tear due to negligent medical care, contact Glynns Solicitors. Specialists in medical negligence law, we have the expertise and experience to support you in making a claim for compensation.
Contact us today to discuss the suitability of making a claim for compensation for your substandard 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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