Fourth Degree Tear Disability and Compensation for Negligent Care
If you are struggling with the disabling and distressing consequences of a fourth degree tear, speak to a legal specialist about the possibility of making a claim for compensation.
Fourth degree tear damage
A fourth degree tear during vaginal childbirth is potentially the most disabling of the anal sphincter injuries and requires timely, comprehensive and effective medical care. A failure by medical professionals to diagnose and repair these appalling injuries can have a devastating impact on the life of a new mother, undermining her confidence, her ability to work and her ability to support and bond with her new baby.
A fourth degree tear, damaging both the external and internal anal muscles as well as the lining of the anal canal can cause a shocking array of symptoms fundamentally undermining a woman's bowel function and control.
- A woman may experience extreme urgency when needing the toilet, suffer leakage of both wind and faeces and become incontinent
- A woman may develop a rectovaginal fistula as a result of a 4th degree tear, meaning that an abnormal passage between the rectum and the vagina allows wind and faeces to leak from the vagina
- A woman may require the fitting of a stoma if the damage of the 4th degree tear has compromised her bowel control and function
Appropriate medical care of severe perineal damage
Competent medical care in relation to anal sphincter injuries is essential to a woman's long-term health and well-being.
According to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists every woman who undergoes a vaginal delivery should be examined following the birth of her baby. Such an assessment should include a digital rectal examination to check the condition of the anal sphincter.
Any damage should be identified and accurately diagnosed according to the RCOG's classification as either a 3a, 3b, 3c or 4th degree tear. It should then be competently and effectively repaired by an experienced surgeon.
Making a claim for medical negligence
Failing to carry out any of the above processes may leave a woman to suffer terrible symptoms and may justify a claim for compensation.
Contact a specialist medical negligence solicitor who will obtain your medical records and undertake an investigation into the quality of your maternity care.
Glynns Solicitors specialises in medical negligence compensation and can offer extensive experience and expertise in 3rd and 4th degree tear claims.
Contact us today to speak with 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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