Misdiagnosis Compensation and Severe Birth Tears
Severe birth tears can cause a woman to suffer permanent bowel damage and life-changing bowel symptoms. Accurate diagnosis is crucial if a full and effective repair is to take place.
Severe birth tears
Perineal and anal tears during vaginal childbirth need to be classified strictly according to the guidelines of the Royal College of Obstetricians and gynaecologists as follows:
- A 1st degree tear causes damage to the skin of the perineum between the vagina and the anus
- A 2nd degree tear causes damage to the skin and muscle of the perineum
- A 3a tear additionally causes damage to less than 50% of the external anal sphincter
- A 3b tear causes damage to more than 50% of the external anal sphincter
- A 3c tear additionally causes damage to the internal sphincter
- A 4th degree tear also causes damage to the lining of the anal canal and can lead to a fistula or passage between the anus and the vagina
Negligent maternity care
If a woman has suffered a 3rd or 4th degree tear during the vaginal birth of her baby, it is essential that a comprehensive repair is carried out by an experienced surgeon as soon as possible in order to ensure that the injury is resolved. If the injury does not receive an accurate diagnosis, it is likely that a repair, if any takes place, will not be sufficient to resolve the associated bowel problems.
An accurate diagnosis requires a thorough examination and an understanding of the degrees of damage.
A failure of either examination or diagnosis may be regarded as negligent care.
If a woman suffers significant difficulties as a result of this form of negligence, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
As can be imagined, severe bowel problems can have a wide-ranging impact, affecting not only a woman’s self-confidence but also her ability to work. Several types of employment may be restricted due to incontinence of wind and faeces or the new mother may be limited in the work she can do due to her need for access to toilet facilities.
Claiming compensation
If you think you have been the victim of negligent maternity care and are struggling with the appalling effects of bowel leakage or incontinence, speak to a specialist lawyer about the possibility of making a claim for compensation.
A successful claim would address any financial losses you may have suffered, and may continue to suffer, as a consequence of your negligent care.
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a team of specialist lawyers. Contact us to discuss the quality of your care and 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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