Incontinence and Claiming Compensation for Medical Negligence in Childbirth
If substandard medical care has left you suffering debilitating incontinence problems, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
Incontinence after vaginal childbirth
Incontinence of both wind and faeces can be an extremely unpleasant and life-changing result of vaginal childbirth. Without scrupulous medical attention, a minority of women suffer permanent damage to their anal sphincter muscles and a range of debilitating effects.
It requires prompt and competent care to ensure a healthy future for the new mother.
Medical care of the perineum in childbirth
Good quality medical care of a woman giving birth through the vagina requires the following actions shortly after the birth of the baby:
- A thorough examination should take place which includes a digital rectal examination to check the condition of the anal sphincter
- If any damage has occurred, it should be precisely and accurately classified according to the following classifications of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists:
- - A 1st degree tear affecting only the skin around the vagina
- - A 2nd degree tear damaging the skin and muscle of the perineum between the vagina and the anus
- - A 3a tear which damages the perineum and up to 50% of the external anal sphincter muscle
- - A 3b tear which is as above but damages more than 50% of the external sphincter
- - A 3c tear which additionally damages the internal anal sphincter muscle
- - A 4th degree tear which additionally damages the internal lining of the anal canal
- Any damage should be repaired promptly, effectively and appropriately, meaning that a 3rd or 4th degree tear should be repaired by an experienced surgeon in an operating theatre.
Medical negligence
Medical professionals who fail to examine, fail to make an accurate diagnosis or fail to carry out a competent repair on a severe birth injury may be regarded as having provided only substandard care.
If the new mother goes on to suffer significant difficulties as a result of her negligent care, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
A compensation claim will take into account any financial losses such as a reduced income due to the effects of the poor-quality care.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are struggling with the appalling impact of incontinence due to negligent medical care, contact Glynns Solicitors, specialists in medical negligence compensation. One of our team of experienced lawyers will be very happy to talk to you about the suitability 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.
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