Missed or Misdiagnosed – Claiming Compensation for a Severe Birth Tear
Whether a severe birth tear is missed by medical professionals or misdiagnosed, the outcome can be the same. The new mother will return home with her new baby but also with debilitating bowel symptoms which may undermine her quality of life.
Severe maternal childbirth tears
Severe birth tears are such a distressing and difficult issue because, without a competent and comprehensive repair, they can leave a new mother suffering embarrassing and disabling bowel problems including leakage or incontinence of both wind and faeces.
This situation is particularly challenging if it becomes apparent that, with competent maternity care, this appalling outcome could have been avoided and any symptoms should have been resolved.
Severe birth tears do not all cause the same degree of damage. If a woman has suffered a tear during childbirth, it is absolutely essential that her injury is correctly diagnosed. Without this, she may not receive a full repair and may continue to suffer symptoms.
Maternity competence and negligence
In order to avoid this distressing outcome, a digital rectal examination is necessary after the birth of the baby in order to check for any damage. Any injury should be diagnosed according to the classifications of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists:
- A 3a tear damages less than 50% of the external anal sphincter
- A 3b tear damages more than 50% of the external anal sphincter
- A 3c tear additionally damages the internal sphincter
- A 4th degree tear additionally damages the lining of the anal canal and can possibly result in a fistula between the anus and the vagina, causing yet more distressing symptoms
The right to compensation
If medical professionals cause a patient to suffer due to negligent care, including maternity care, the patient is entitled to claim compensation for the consequences of that negligence.
Where bowel problems caused by a birth tear are concerned, this can result in a loss of earnings as well as the costs of care or treatment or equipment. A woman may find that she is now restricted in the type of work she can do and suffers a significant loss of income as a result. If this has been due to negligent maternity care, this loss of income would be included in the claim.
Free legal advice
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a team of experienced lawyers and a history of success in severe birth tear claims.
Contact us today to talk to a friendly and sympathetic solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim.
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.
Make An Enquiry
Why Choose Us
- Specialist medical negligence solicitors
- Free initial enquiries
- No win, no fee available
Reviews
Our Expertise
Helping Clients Across England & Wales
