Fourth Degree Tear Diagnosis and Claiming Compensation for Negligence.
As with any medical condition, diagnosis is the key. Where a fourth degree tear is concerned, following vaginal childbirth, a failure to recognise that an injury has occurred, let alone the severity of it, may condemn the new mother to a lifetime of disabling and distressing bowel incontinence.
Fourth degree tear negligence
For a fourth degree tear to be diagnosed, it is essential that a knowledgeable and experienced maternity practitioner carries out a thorough inspection of the new mother's perineum following the birth of the baby.
Without a perineal inspection, there is no hope of diagnosis.
The examination should also include a digital rectal examination to check the condition of the anal sphincter, the muscles around the anus. If there are signs of any damage, the extent of the injury needs to be accurately identified. The new mother may have suffered a 3a, 3b, 3c or 4th degree tear. If only a part of this injury is identified, the rest may remain unrepaired.
A 4th degree tear extends right through the external and internal anal muscles as well as going on to damage the anal lining. Alternatively, a 3a tear only affects up to 50% of the external anal sphincter. There is a big difference between these two injuries and if only the lesser injury is diagnosed, the new mother may continue to suffer debilitating bowel symptoms and may even develop a fistula between her rectum and vagina, causing further symptoms and distress.
Claiming compensation
If you think you may be in a position to make a claim for compensation for medical negligence in relation to your maternity care, contact a legal specialist who will investigate the quality of your care.
If it is found that you have been the victim of substandard medical care, a compensation claim will address the problems which the negligence has caused. If you are suffering bowel incontinence, the consequences can be wide-ranging and highly distressing.
If you are struggling to work or are now disadvantaged in the labour market because of your bowel problems, your loss of income can be included in a successful claim.
If you require additional treatment or equipment or hygiene products because of the consequences of your negligent, the associated costs could be included in a claim.
Speak to a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with extensive expertise in high-value birth tear claims. Contact us today to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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