Medical Negligence in OASI Diagnosis and Claiming Compensation
Prompt and accurate diagnosis of an OASI in vaginal childbirth is absolutely crucial to a good long-term outcome for the new mother. A failure by maternity professionals to achieve this may justify a claim for compensation.
Why an OASI matters
The term OASI refers to an obstetric anal sphincter injury. An OASI differs from a 1st or 2nd degree perineal tear during childbirth in that it causes damage to muscles around the anus and ultimately threatens the functioning of the woman's anal movements.
If a new mother has suffered an OASI (a 3rd or 4th degree tear) during childbirth she may, without a timely repair, face a lifetime of bowel problems. Beyond experiencing extreme urgency when needing to go to the toilet, this could also include incontinence of both wind and faeces, leakage from the vagina if a fistula has developed, and the need for a stoma if bowel function is severely compromised.
Diagnosis and negligence
Diagnosis of damage to the anal sphincter requires the new mother to undergo a thorough examination of her perineum, including a digital rectal examination, shortly after the birth of her baby.
Without examination of the anal sphincter, an injury could be missed, leaving the new mother with on-going and possibly worsening life-changing symptoms.
A failure to carry out an appropriate examination or a failure to make an accurate and timely diagnosis may be regarded as negligent and may justify a claim for compensation.
The new mother, if she is beset by bowel symptoms, may struggle to work and suffer a significant loss of income as a result.
When to claim compensation
In the above circumstances, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation which should address any financial losses, insofar as they have been caused by negligent medical care.
It is important to bear in mind, however, that claims for negligent medical care are associated with a three year deadline and your solicitor will need to carry out a thorough investigation into the quality of your medical care before this deadline is reached.
If you suspect that you have been the victim of negligence and are suffering the consequences, you should speak to a specialist solicitor at the earliest possible moment.
Legal specialists
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a team of experienced lawyers and a wealth of expertise in OASI negligence claims.
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.
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
