Maternity Tear Errors and When to Claim Compensation
The vast majority of tears to the perineum during vaginal childbirth are small and heal easily. Unfortunately, occasionally this is not the case and, if the maternity professionals do not pay the proper care and attention required by what can be a severe injury, the new mother may face shocking, and worsening, symptoms which can overturn her quality of life and self-esteem.
3rd and 4th degree tears
A 3rd or 4th degree tear is an occasional risk of vaginal childbirth especially where an instrumental delivery is necessary, where the baby is large, or where the mother is giving birth for the first time.
Beyond a 1st or 2nd degree tear, these severe injuries damage the muscles which surround the anus and allow woman to control the passing of wind and faeces. If these important muscles are damaged and cannot function properly, the consequences can be highly distressing as well as practically difficult to manage.
They require prompt diagnosis and prompt and effective repair.
Maternity negligence and perineal tears
Maternity professionals may be regarded as having provided substandard care affecting the long-term integrity of the woman's bowel continence in the following circumstances:
- A failure to carry out a digital rectal examination following a vaginal delivery
- A failure to identify that a severe anal injury has occurred
- A misdiagnosis of a 3rd or 4th degree tear
- A failure to repair a severe tear comprehensively
Claiming compensation
When a woman has suffered negligent maternity care and is struggling with distressing bowel symptoms as a result, it may be possible to claim compensation.
A successful compensation claim can help a woman to cope with the symptoms and consequences which she is facing.
For example she may be struggling to work and facing a loss of income and this would be included in the claim.
She may require specialist equipment or additional treatment in order to manage her symptoms and this would be included in the claim.
The impact of emotional distress caused by the negligence would also be taken into account.
Seek specialist legal advice
Here at Glynns we speak to the victims of maternity negligence on a daily basis and, over the years, have supported numerous women in making successful claims, developing a deep understanding of this distressing occurrence along the way.
Contact us today to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim.
We can offer No Win No Fee medical negligence funding which we will discuss with you during your free initial telephone discussion.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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