Fourth Degree Tear Negligence Claim
If your medical professionals have failed to treat your fourth degree tear effectively, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.
Fourth degree childbirth tears
A 4th degree tear is the worst form of perineal tear which can occur during vaginal childbirth.
Perineal tears occur as the baby is being born and the pressure on the vagina and perineum sometimes causes the skin and muscle to tear. For most women, this is a fairly small injury but some women experience a severe tear. A 4th degree tear stretches from the vagina across the perineum and through both the external and internal anal sphincter. I t also damages the internal lining of the anal canal.
Not surprisingly, this can have a significant impact on the functioning of the anal muscles and can leave the woman unable to control her bowels. At best she may have to rush to the toilet when she feels the need to defecate. At worst, she may be unable to prevent the passing of wind and faeces and become incontinent.
Diagnosing childbirth tears
The incidence of severe birth tears seems to be increasing and efforts are being made obstetric, gynaecological and maternity services to improve the understanding, recognition and diagnosis of these appalling injuries.
A woman who has given birth vaginally should undergo a thorough perineal examination following the birth of her baby to check for signs of damage. Any injury should be carefully diagnosed as either a 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th degree tear as appropriate in order to ensure that the woman receives the necessary form of repair.
A failure to carry out an examination or a misdiagnosis of a perineal tear may be regarded as negligent.
If the woman affected subsequently suffers debilitating symptoms as a result of the failure of diagnosis and, presumably, the lack of an appropriate repair, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
Making a compensation claim
The impact of bowel incontinence can destroy a woman's confidence and severely restrict her capacity to work.
A successful compensation claim can provide recompense for not only the woman's pain and suffering, but also for the financial losses caused by the negligence. This may go some way towards helping the woman to deal with the problems she now faces on a daily basis.
Seek legal help
Here at Glynns we have considerable expertise in perineal tear compensation claims. We have supported numerous women in making highly-successful claims and will be very happy to advise you.
Contact us today to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor about your experience.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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