Fourth Degree Tears and Diagnosis Negligence
Failing to identify severe anal sphincter damage and the possibility of a 4th degree tear can leave a woman with appalling injuries and the possible need for a stoma. The impact of such a shocking outcome of vaginal childbirth may justify a claim for compensation if medical professionals have not provided an acceptable level of care.
The devastation of an unrepaired 4th degree tear
A 4th degree tear is the most extensive form of vaginal birth tear, cutting through the perineum, both the external and internal anal sphincter and damaging the lining of the anal canal.
Not only can a new mother find that she is starting to experience leakage of wind and faeces, or extreme urgency when needing the toilet, but a fistula, or hole, may develop between the rectum and the vagina due to the extent of the damage. This can mean that the woman also begins to experience leakage of wind and faeces out of the vagina. A shocking outcome, indeed!
In some circumstances, the impact of a 4th degree tear can compromise the function of the bowel to the extent that a stoma is needed to provide effective bowel function. The psychological impact as well as the physical and practical impact of such a shocking outcome of vaginal childbirth is extremely difficult to come to terms with.
Many women become socially isolated and struggling to work, to bond with their baby and even to leave the home at all.
Birth tear negligence
Severe birth tears can only be diagnosed through the process of a thorough examination, including a digital rectal examination. Without this procedure, damage to the anal sphincter and the possibility of a 4th degree tear may remain unidentified.
By the time a diagnosis is achieved, sometimes following months or years of distress and disability on the part of the new mother, it is too late for an effective repair to change the long-term outcome and provide some recovery from symptoms. How to make a claim for compensation
If a woman suffers debilitating symptoms and financial losses due to negligent maternity care, it may be possible to claim compensation for the consequences.
Not only can this help to address the financial impact of devastating symptoms, such as a loss of income, but it can also provide an explanation for the woman's difficulties and a sense of justice that her severe symptoms have been recognised.
The first step towards making a claim is to talk to a specialist medical negligence lawyer who will investigate the quality of maternity care and identify whether or not a claim is possible.
Glynns Solicitors, specialists in medical negligence
Here at Glynns we speak wo women suffering from the impact of maternity negligence on a daily basis. Our in-depth knowledge, extensive expertise and understanding of the impact of these appalling injuries ensures that we can offer comprehensive support and negotiate the best settlement on behalf of our clients.
Contact us today to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim for compensation.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
Make An Enquiry
Why Choose Us
- Specialist medical negligence solicitors
- Free initial enquiries
- No win, no fee available
Reviews
Our Expertise
Helping Clients Across England & Wales
