Misdiagnosis and Compensation for 3rd Degree Tear Negligence
If a 3rd degree tear during vaginal childbirth is not diagnosed accurately, it is unlikely to receive the appropriate attention and repair that it needs. If medical professionals are responsible for the this sorry situation, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation for the consequences of the injury.
The complexity of perineal tears
A third degree tear is a far more serious injury than a 2nd degree tear. A 2nd degree tear is limited in the damage it causes to the skin and muscle of the perineum, the region between the vagina and the anus. A 3rd degree tear extends, to a lesser or greater extent, into the muscles of the anal sphincter which controls the passing of wind and faeces. Consequently, the symptoms associated with a 3rd degree tear can be extremely debilitating.
Furthermore, within the range of 3rd degree tears, accuracy continues to be essential. A 3a tear, which affects less than 50% of the external anal sphincter, is a different injury to a 3c tear, which affects the entire depth of the external sphincter as well as damaging the internal muscle.
Accuracy of diagnosis is essential, as is ensuring that the entire injury is repaired by a skilled surgeon, using the correct techniques and the appropriate materials.
Misdiagnosis negligence in perineal tears
A misdiagnosis of a severe perineal injury may occur for a number of reasons that may be regarded as negligent:
- Medical professionals attendant at the birth of a baby may fail to carry out an examination of the new mother, or at least fail to include a digital rectal examination to assess the condition of the anal sphincter
- A medical professional may carry out an examination but fail to spot that an injury has been done to the anal sphincter, either external or internal
- A medical professional may identify that an injury has occurred but misdiagnose and mis-record the extent and nature of the injury, leaving the new mother susceptible to an incomplete or inadequate repair
When to claim compensation
If negligence on the part of medical professionals has left you with the distressing symptoms of a 3rd degree tear, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.
The symptoms of urgency and incontinence can affect a woman's life in a number of ways and may limit her capacity to work and earn a living.
A successful claim would incorporate such financial losses.
Speak to a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a specialist medical negligence legal practice with a team of experienced lawyers and a history of success in high-value birth tear claims.
Contact us today to talk to 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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