Misdiagnosed Third Degree Tear and How to Claim Compensation
Ongoing bowel problems due to negligent maternity care of a third degree tear may justify a claim for compensation.
The complexity of third degree tears
Not all 3rd degree tears are the same. These distressing anal sphincter injuries, caused by vaginal childbirth, can vary in extent of damage and severity of symptoms. Accurate diagnosis is vital. A misdiagnosis can mean that only part of the injury is repaired, leaving a partial tear remaining and on-going bowel problems.
The difficulty arises because 3rd degree tears can, in some cases, only cause damage to the external anal sphincter (3a and 3b tears) whereas, in other cases, a third degree tear (3c) also causes damage to the internal anal sphincter.
A failure to recognise and accurately diagnose a 3c tear can, therefore, leave internal anal muscle damage unidentified. Without a full repair, the new mother may continue to suffer incontinence of wind and faeces.
Consequently, a misdiagnosed third degree tear may be regarded as negligent and, if the woman affected suffers on-going and debilitating symptoms, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
Compensation for birth tear misdiagnosis
Severe birth tears, causing anal incontinence, can impact on a woman's life in a variety of distressing ways. From the devastating shock and loss of confidence suffered by many new mothers in this situation, the impact can also extend to a loss of income due to debilitating bowel symptoms as well as some women experiencing additional costs due to the effects of their anal incontinence.
Where these appalling on-going symptoms are considered to be the result of negligence on the part of the medical professionals who attended the birth of the baby, the woman affected may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.
A failure to carry out an examination and a failure to make an accurate diagnosis of an anal sphincter injury may well be regarded as negligent.
If you wish to make a claim, the first step is to speak to a legal specialist.
Speak to a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with extensive expertise in 3rd degree tear negligence and a history of success in high-value compensation claims.
If you or a loved one are struggling with the distressing and costly impact of such negligence, contact us 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
