Instrumental Birth Damage and Compensation for Negligent Care
On-going bowel problems after an instrumental delivery may be a sign of an undiagnosed anal injury. If so, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation for the consequences of the negligent care.
Instrumental deliveries and severe perineal tears
If you are giving birth to your baby through the vagina and require an instrumental delivery with either forceps or ventouse, you are at an increased risk of suffering a severe birth tear. To reduce this risk, you may need to undergo an episiotomy, a deliberate cut to the perineum to ease the pressure of the instrumental birth.
If you are unfortunate and suffer a severe tear, it is essential that the medical professionals attending your labour carry out a thorough examination and ensure that all damage is diagnosed accurately and repaired by an experienced surgeon both effectively and promptly.
Severe birth tears and negligent care
Severe birth tears are otherwise described as third or fourth degree tears and it is necessary that the precise nature of the injury is identified. If a misdiagnosis is made, a part of the injury may be left unrepaired.
For example, a 3a tear injures up to 50% of the external anal sphincter or muscle whereas a 3c tear causes damage to both the external and internal anal muscles. If a 3c tear is mistaken for a 3a tear, the damage to the internal muscle may remain unrepaired and the new mother may continue to experience appalling bowel symptoms.
Claiming compensation
If you are struggling with symptoms and problems which you would not have suffered with an appropriate level of maternity care, you are legally entitled to make a claim for compensation.
Severe birth injuries which remain unrepaired can leave a new mother with incontinence of both wind and faeces which can, in turn, cause a significant impact on her quality of life. Many of our clients have found it extremely difficult to return to their former employment following the birth of their child because their bowel symptoms have caused too many problems. Some have found that they can only manage part-time work or that they have had to change direction and find a different type of employment where access to toilet facilities is easier.
Speak to a legal specialist
If you are experiencing bowel symptoms and believe that you may have been the victim of negligent maternity care, contact us here at Glynns to speak with a specialist solicitor, free of charge. As a dedicated medical negligence legal practice, we have the experience and expertise to advise you as to whether or not you may be able to make 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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