Misdiagnosis of a 4th Degree Tear and How to Claim Compensation.
Symptoms caused by a 4th degree tear can be utterly appalling, causing a woman considerable distress and restricting many activities including the ability to work. Talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor about the possibility of making a claim for compensation.
4th degree tears
A 4th degree tear is the most severe form of birth tear. Going beyond the shocking anal trauma of a 3c tear, a 4th degree tear additionally damages the lining of the anal canal, putting the new mother at risk of the following:
- The development of a rectovaginal fistula, an abnormal passage connecting the anus to the vagina
- Leakage of wind and faeces from the vagina
- Infections of the perineum
- Perineal discomfort
Failing to carry out a thorough examination after a woman has given birth through the vagina is unacceptable. Severe birth tears are a known risk and it is crucial that maternity professionals take every precaution to ensure that any anal damage is both diagnosed and effectively and comprehensively repaired.
Misdiagnosis of a 4th degree tear
If a woman who has suffered a 4th degree tear during the birth of her baby is misdiagnosed, it is unlikely that she will undergo a full repair.
In this unfortunate scenario, it is likely that she will continue to suffer disabling symptoms.
The relevant medical professionals who attended the birth may be regarded as negligent for the following reasons:
- They did not carry out a comprehensive examination of the new mother including a digital rectal examination
- They failed to recognise severe anal sphincter damage
- They misdiagnosed a 4th degree tear as a lesser tear
- There was a failure to provide a comprehensive and effective repair by an experienced surgeon
How to make a claim
If you are struggling with the shocking impact of a 4th degree tear, the first step is to talk to a medical negligence solicitor.
They will obtain copies of your medical records and investigate the quality of your maternity care for evidence of negligence.
If it evident that an incident of medical negligence has contributed to your distressing outcome, they will assess the ways in which the negligence has affected you and the financial losses you have suffered.
This would include a loss of income where your debilitating symptoms have affected your ability to work.
Speak to a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors has been supporting women in making claims for negligent maternity care for many years and have a deep understanding of the distress and disability which these shocking injuries can cause.
If you think that you may be experiencing the symptoms of an unrepaired 4th degree tear following the birth of your baby, contact us to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim.
Funding Your Medical Negligence Claim
Glynns specialise in medical negligence claims, undertaking no other legal work.
This specialisation ensures that we have the skills ready and waiting to help you in the most efficient and economical way.
It also means that we can offer No Win No Fee medical negligence funding which we will discuss with you during your free initial telephone discussion.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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