Misdiagnosis and Maternal Birth Injury Compensation
A misdiagnosis of a maternal birth injury during vaginal childbirth can be life-changing. Contact a legal specialist to discuss the possibility of a making a claim for compensation.
The implications of misdiagnosis
Severe birth tears vary in extent and severity. For example, a 3a tear only affects up to 50% of a woman's anal sphincter whereas a 4th degree tear injures the external anal sphincter, the internal muscle and the lining of the anal canal.
Why does this matter?
This matters for a number of reasons.
Firstly, if only a 3a tear is diagnosed when, in fact, the new mother has suffered a 3c tear, it is likely that not the entire injury will be repaired.
Secondly, a 3c tear will cause a new mother to suffer worse bowel symptoms than a 3a tear. A 4th degree tear may risk the development of a fistula with the new mother experiencing leakage from the vagina as a result. It may also lead to the fitting of a stoma to provide bowel function.
A failure to make an accurate diagnosis may mean that some of these symptoms are not addressed and the new mother may continue to suffer distressing and debilitating consequences due to the negligence of her maternity professionals.
Diagnosis and repair
An accurate diagnosis requires a thorough examination of the new mother including a digital rectal examination to assess the condition of the anal sphincter. It also requires that the relevant maternity professional has an understanding of the complexity of obstetric anal sphincter injuries and the devastation which they can cause to a woman's life.
Once a severe birth tear has been diagnosed correctly, it should trigger a prompt surgical repair by an experienced surgeon. The entire injury should be repaired, using the appropriate methods suitable to the nature of the injury and the appropriate materials. a failure to do this may see a wound breakdown and the continuation of symptoms.
Speak to a legal expert
If you think you may be suffering with an undiagnosed or unrepaired severe birth tear, speak to a solicitor here at Glynns. We will be able to obtain your medical records and carry out an investigation into the quality of your maternity care.
If negligence has, indeed, left you with an unrepaired tear due to a misdiagnosis, it may be possible to make a claim which could address issues such as a loss of income or the costs of support and care.
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.
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