Missed Third Degree Tears and When to Claim Compensation.
A missed severe birth tear, or a misdiagnosed one, can change the course of a woman's life and may justify a claim for compensation.
Variations in third degree tears
Not all third degree obstetric tears are the same and it is essential that, if a new mother has suffered one of these shocking injuries, it is accurately and precisely diagnosed.
A failure to do so can leave a woman with only a partial repair and on-going bowel symptoms.
A failure to spot, to recognise and to diagnose any tear at all when an injury has occurred will mean that no repair is carried out and the full extent of the injury will remain.
The impact of third degree tears
Third degree tears are more severe than 1st and 2nd perineal tears. A third degree tear causes injury to the muscles around the anus, the anal sphincter, which control bowel movements. If a woman suffers a third degree tear, she will start to experience some level of bowel dysfunction, affecting her control of the passing of wind and faeces.
The more extensive the tear, the more severe the symptoms are likely to be:
- A 3a tear cuts into 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 anal muscle
A woman with a 3rd degree tear may suffer problems with both wind and the passing of faeces, as well as experiencing discomfort and perineal infections. If the injury is not promptly and effectively repaired, the psychological impact can also be considerable, as well as the practical considerations and the consequences for the woman's quality of life.
Medical negligence and third degree tears
A medical professional may be regarded as having been negligent if they fail to diagnose a third degree tear at all when one has occured, or if they misdiagnose the severity of the injury.
Either way, the new mother is likely to suffer bowel symptoms which would not have been the case with an accurate and timely diagnosis, followed by a competent repair.
In such circumstances, the relevant professional may be regarded as negligent and it may be possible to claim compensation for the financial losses suffered.
Free legal advice
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with extensive expertise in birth tear claims.
If you suspect that you may be entitled to make a claim, contact us today to talk to an experienced solicitor, free of charge.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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