Misdiagnosis Negligence and Third Degree Tears
Misdiagnosis of a third degree childbirth tear can leave a woman facing a lifetime of incontinence. It may also justify a claim for compensation if the quality of medical care has contributed to the woman's poor long-term outcome.
Diagnosis of maternal birth injuries
It is essential that any injury suffered by a woman during the course of vaginal childbirth is accurately and promptly diagnosed. This should trigger an appropriate repair whether by a midwife or, as in the case of third and fourth degree tears, by a suitably experienced surgeon.
In order to achieve an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary for the woman to undergo a thorough perineal examination following the birth of her baby including a digital rectal examination.
A thorough examination should enable the medical professionals attending the birth to diagnose correctly any injury according to the following classifications of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists:
- 1st degree tear
- 2nd degree tear
- A 3a, 3b or 3c tear
- 4th degree tear
Misdiagnosis of third degree tears
Misdiagnosis of a third degree tear may occur in a number of ways:
- An inadequate examination may lead to a diagnosis of a third degree tear as a second degree tear. This will mean that the injury to the anal sphincter muscles which control bowel movement is unlikely to be repaired as it has not been diagnosed. The new mother is likely to suffer bowel incontinence or leakage as a result.
- A failure to recognise the extent of a tear may lead to a diagnosis of a 3c tear (the most severe form of third degree tear) as a 3a tear. A 3a tear only damages the external anal sphincter, whereas a 3c tear causes injury to both the external and internal anal sphincter. If only a 3a tear is diagnosed, the damage to the internal anal sphincter may not be repaired, leaving the woman to develop bowel symptoms.
Medical negligence and maternity care
If medical professionals fail in the quality of care they provide, leaving a patient to suffer a worse outcome than would have been the case with an acceptable level of care, the patient is entitled to make a claim for compensation.
A successful compensation claim will take account of any financial losses, such as reduced income due to debilitating symptoms, experienced by the patient as a result of the negligent care.
Misdiagnosis of a third degree childbirth tear can leave a woman facing a lifetime of incontinence. It may also justify a claim for compensation if the quality of medical care has contributed to the woman's poor long-term outcome.
Speak to a specialist
If you or a loved one are struggling with the impact of a misdiagnosed third degree tear and its appalling symptoms due to negligent medical care, contact Glynns Solicitors to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor. It may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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