Is a Partial Repair of a Birth Tear Negligent?
Severe birth tears require the skilled and careful attention of an experienced surgeon in an operating theatre shortly after the injury has occurred. A failure to repair the full extent of the injury may be regarded as negligent.
Inadequate tear repair
Without a full and effective repair, third and fourth degree birth tears are likely to leave the new mother with a variety of life-changing and distressing symptoms including the following:
- Inability to prevent the passing of wind
- Inability to prevent the passing of faeces
- Extreme urgency when needing to go to the toilet
- Leakage of wind or faeces from the vagina
- Repeat infections of the perineum
It is clear that, if a severe birth tear is not diagnosed or is ineffectively repaired, these symptoms may become permanent.
If a tear is only partly repaired, it may be for a number of reasons:
- The medical professional responsible for the tear may have not had sufficient experience and the techniques or materials used may have been inappropriate to the injury
- The surgeon may have accidentally missed a part of the injury
- The injury may not have been accurately diagnosed by the professionals who attended the birth, meaning that only a partial repair has taken place. Birth tears which affect the anal sphincter (3rd and 4th degree tears) require absolutely meticulous diagnosis achieved through a thorough examination. If this does not occur, the new mother may suffer for years.
These scenarios may be regarded as negligent and, if the new mother suffers on-going and debilitating problems as a result, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation. A successful compensation claim can provide recompense for the pain, suffering and financial losses associated with the negligence. If the new mother is unable to work or has had to change career due to the severity of her symptoms, the financial impact can be dramatic.
Speak to a solicitor
If you are suffering the appalling long-term effects of incontinence due to a poorly-repaired birth tear, contact Glynns to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
We have supported many women in making compensation claims for poor care of severe birth tears and one of our team will of specialists 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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