Negligent Instrumental Birth Care & Claiming Compensation
If you are struggling with appalling bowel symptoms following an instrumental birth, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
Instrumental births and severe tears
An instrumental delivery is where a new mother requires the assistance of either forceps or ventouse during the birth of her baby. This is likely to be because labour is not progressing well.
When this occurs, an episiotomy, a cut to the perineum, is often carried out in order to reduce the pressure on the perineum during the instrumental delivery.
Nonetheless, an instrumental delivery is often associated with an increased risk of a severe perineal tear, especially where forceps are used.
Severe perineal tears
A severe perineal tear is one which extends beyond the perineum and causes damage to the anal sphincter.
This type of tear is more specifically referred to as either a 3rd or 4th degree tear depending on the extent of the damage.
Unfortunately, because the anal sphincter muscles control and prevent the passing of wind and faeces, damage to these muscles can leave a woman with symptoms of incontinence.
Examining for severe damage
Due to the severity of the symptoms associated with 3rd and 4th degree tears, it is essential that a new mother undergoes a thorough examination following the vaginal birth of a baby. This is particularly important where an instrumental delivery has been necessary. Such an assessment should include a digital rectal examination to check for any anal damage.
A failure to carry out such an examination may be regarded as negligent. A failure to diagnose or a misdiagnosis of damage may also be regarded as negligent.
If such negligence has left a new mother without a repair and suffering on-going bowel problems, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
Claiming compensation for negligent maternity care
If an individual suffers a worse outcome following negligent medical care than would have been the case with an acceptable level of care, they are legally entitled to make a claim for compensation.
A successful compensation claim will take account of any financial losses experienced, such as a reduced income due to the nature of the symptoms suffered.
Speak to a legal specialist
If you think you may have been the victim of negligent maternity care, contact Glynns Solicitors, As a dedicated medical negligence legal practice, we have extensive expertise in high-value perineal tear claims. One of our team of solicitors will be very happy to talk to you, free of charge, about the possibility 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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