Missed Fourth Degree Birth Tear and How to Claim Compensation.
A missed fourth degree tear following the vaginal birth of a baby can leave the new mother with permanent, and possibly worsening, disability.
The extent of a 4th degree tear
A diagnosis of a fourth degree tear means that the woman already has an injury which incorporates the damage of a 1st, 2nd and all levels of 3rd degree tears.
The function of her anal sphincter will already be compromised by the injury which cuts through both her external and internal sphincters, reducing her control over the passing of wind and faeces.
A fourth degree tear can additionally put her at risk of developing a fistula, which may allow leakage of wind and faeces from the vagina, as well as possibly necessitating the fitting of a stoma to provide alternative bowel function.
The impact of a 4th degree tear
The range of symptoms which can result from a 4th degree tear can be wide-ranging, disabling and highly-distressing.
If it is possible that these shocking symptoms could have been avoided had the new mother received competent and appropriate medical care rather than negligent care, it should be possible to make a claim for compensation.
A successful claim would incorporate the woman's financial losses such as a loss of income if she is struggling to work. It could include the costs of specialist treatment and equipment if such is necessary as well as the costs of personal support if needed.
Negligent care of a new mother's perineum
Severe birth tears are a known risk of vaginal childbirth. In order to prevent a lifetime of misery, maternity professionals need to carry out a thorough examination of the new mother shortly after the birth of her baby and assess the condition of her perineum and anal sphincter.
If such an examination is not carried out, any damage will not be diagnosed and repaired. If an examination is carried out but such severe damage is not identified or is misdiagnosed, the result may be the same. The new mother may return home unaware that she has an unrepaired severe tear which may affect her continence for the rest of her life.
Making a claim
If you suspect that you may have been the victim of negligent maternity care, contact a specialist medical negligence solicitor to discuss the possibility of making a claim.
They will obtain copies of your medical records and assess the quality of your maternity care.
Speak to a specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal firm with a team of experienced solicitors and extensive expertise in maternal birth tear claims.
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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