Negligent Diagnosis of a Third Degree Tear
Following vaginal childbirth, it is essential that any anal damage is accurately diagnosed. A negligent diagnosis can lead to a failure to make an effective repair and may justify a claim for compensation.
Third degree tear diagnosis and repair
A third degree tear during vaginal childbirth causes damage to the anal sphincter and, therefore, to a woman's ability to control bowel movements.
In order to minimise this appalling risk, it is recommended that the appropriate medical professionals carry out a thorough examination of the woman's perineum after she has given birth. This should include a digital rectal examination to check the condition of the anal sphincter.
Without this examination, a third degree tear may be missed and remain unrepaired allowing appalling symptoms to develop.
If a third degree tear is diagnosed, it is crucial that the extent of the tear is classified. A third degree tear may only damage part of the external anal sphincter muscle or it may damage both the external and internal muscles. A misdiagnosis of a 3c tear as a 3a tear would, therefore, allow the possibility that only a part of the tear is repaired.
This would allow symptoms to continue, may require the woman to have further surgery and may cause her to suffer permanent bowel difficulties. A prompt, full and accurate examination and diagnosis would have ensured an effective repair and a symptom-free future.
Negligent medical care
Negligent care of a woman's perineum and anal sphincter following vaginal childbirth can, therefore, take a variety of forms:
- A failure to carry out an examination leading to a failure to diagnose
- A failure to diagnose a severe tear despite an examination
- A misdiagnosis of a severe tear for a lesser injury such as a 2nd degree tear or a 3c tear diagnosed as a 3a tear
- An ineffective or partial repair allowing debilitating bowel problems to develop and continue
Claiming compensation
If you have suffered financial losses such as reduced income because poor-quality medical care has left you with debilitating bowel problems, contact a legal specialist. It may be possible to make a claim for compensation which would take your financial losses into account.
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a wealth of expertise in severe birth tears. Contact us today to talk to one of our team of experienced solicitors about the suitability of making a claim.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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