Making a Compensation Claim for Childbirth Bowel Damage
If you suspect that the maternity care you received during the birth of your baby was substandard, you may be wondering if you can claim compensation.
Vaginal childbirth anal injuries
A potentially life-changing aspect of vaginal childbirth which is sometimes overlooked is the damage it can cause to a woman's bowel function. During childbirth, the health of the baby is obviously paramount in everybody's mind. However, the health of the new mother needs equally scrupulous care to ensure that she is not left with permanent, debilitating injuries. A lack of knowledge or failings in healthcare can leave a woman believing that the symptoms she is experiencing are normal after childbirth. In fact, severe bowel problems may be a sign of negligence.
Severe perineal tears, such as 3rd and 4th degree tears occur to around 5% of women who give birth through the vagina. Undiagnosed and unrepaired, they will leave a woman suffering significant and symptoms of wind and faecal incontinence.
Medical negligence in vaginal childbirth
Such injuries must be diagnosed accurately and promptly following the birth of the baby and, where an injury of this severity has occurred, a repair must be carried out promptly by an appropriately experienced surgeon.
If medical professionals who are present at the birth fail to achieve this outcome, they may be regarded as having only provided substandard care.
Examples of negligent care of the new mother's perineum and anal sphincter include a failure to examine, a failure to diagnose, a misdiagnosis and a failure to repair.
How to claim compensation
If an individual suffers negligent medical care, leading to symptoms and consequences which would not have been the case with an acceptable and competent level of care, they are legally entitled to claim compensation.
Symptoms of bowel incontinence or urgency, such as caused by a 3rd or 4th degree tear, can cause not only extreme distress and loss of confidence but can also lead to a loss of income. A woman who is suffering from severe bowel symptoms may find it difficult to work in some environments or types of work and may suffer a reduced income as a result.
If it is found that these symptoms have been the product of negligent medical care, the new mother would be able to claim compensation.
Speak to a legal specialist
The best place to start is to seek the advice of a solicitor who specialises in medical negligence law. They will be able to obtain your medical records and investigate the quality of your care. If it is found that you have a valid claim, they will have the skills to negotiate the best settlement on your behalf.
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a team of experienced and specialist lawyers.
Contact us today to speak with a solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making 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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