Fourth Degree Tears and Claiming Compensation for Negligence
If you are struggling with severe bowel problems due to a fourth degree tear, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Fourth degree tear impact
Without diagnosis and an effective surgical repair, a fourth degree birth tear can cause permanent, worsening and highly-debilitating symptoms.
This most severe of perineal childbirth tears damages both the external and internal anal sphincter, causing incontinence of both wind and faeces. Also damaging the lining of the anal canal, it puts the new mother at risk of developing a rectovaginal fistula between the anus and the vagina.
In some circumstances, it may mean that the woman requires a permanent stoma to provide bowel function due to the severity of her fourth degree tear injuries and associated loss of function.
Claiming compensation
If this appalling, distressing and life-changing outcome is due, in full or in part, to negligent medical care on the part of the maternity professionals attendant at the birth, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
A successful compensation claim does not only address the patient's pain and suffering but also the financial losses they have suffered, both past and future, as a result of the negligence. This could include a loss of income if the new mother is unable to work or is limited in the type of employment she can now undertake due to the impact and demands of her bowel symptoms.
Negligent maternity care which may contribute to the new mother suffering an undiagnosed fourth degree tear could include a failure to carry out an episiotomy prior to an instrumental delivery, a failure to examine, a misdiagnosis or a failed repair.
Speak to a legal specialist
If you are struggling with severe bowel problems which you suspect may be due to an undiagnosed fourth degree tear or a poorly-repaired tear, contact a specialist in medical negligence law to discuss the possibility of making a claim for compensation.
Here at Glynns, we have extensive expertise in supporting high-value claims for negligent maternity care of the perineum and speak with victims of these appalling injuries on a daily basis.
You can rely on us to carry out a thorough investigation of your maternity care, to assess the validity and value of your claim and, where appropriate, to negotiate the best settlement on your behalf.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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