Maternal Birth Trauma and When to Claim Compensation
Maternal birth trauma in the form of a 3rd or 4th degree tear can be both distressing and highly-debilitating. Speak to a specialist solicitor about the possibility of making a claim.
3rd and 4th degree tears
Third and fourth degree tears during vaginal childbirth will, if unrepaired, cause severe and disabling bowel problems. Childbirth is inevitably associated with a number of risks and the pressure of the birth can cause the skin around the vagina to tear. Most often, this is a small injury which will heal promptly. Occasionally, however, the tear will continue across the perineum and enter the anal sphincter, the muscles which control bowel movements and the passing of wind.
The log-term symptoms which can be caused by this severe injury include a loss of the ability to control both wind and faeces, leaving the new mother to struggle with the indignity, distress and practical difficulties associated with incontinence.
Medical negligence and severe birth tears
This distressing outcome can be avoided, even if a woman suffers a 3rd or 4th degree tear, so long as a prompt and accurate diagnosis is made, followed by a comprehensive and effective repair.
If either process is not achieved, the mother may face a lifetime of disability and dysfunction causing a myriad of distressing consequences, not least of which may be a significant loss of income.
Medical professionals may be regarded as having been negligent in the following circumstances, if the new mother suffers bowel problems as a result:
- A failure to carry out an examination, including a digital rectal examination
- A failure to recognise that injury to the anal sphincter has occurred
- A misdiagnosis of a severe injury as a lesser
- An incomplete or ineffective repair
When to claim compensation
It may be appropriate to make a claim if it appears that medical professionals have failed in their duty of care top the new mother and also that the negligence has led the woman to suffer significant symptoms and difficulties which would not have been the case with an appropriate level of maternity care.
Bear in mind that such claims need to be issued within three years of the date of the alleged negligence and a specialist solicitor will need to carry out a thorough investigation in to the patient's medical care prior to the deadline.
Speak to a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors, specialists in medical negligence law, deal with the victims of maternal birth trauma every day. Contact us to discuss your situation if you suspect that you have been the victim of negligence medical care.
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
