Negligent Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury Care and Compensation
OASI negligence may justify a claim for compensation.
Obstetric anal sphincter injuries
Women giving birth through the vagina are susceptible to a tear across the perineum between the vagina and the anus. The majority of women who give birth this way will suffer a tear of some degree. Most do not suffer an obstetric anal sphincter injury. Only around 5% of women suffer an obstetric anal sphincter injury during vaginal childbirth.
An obstetric anal sphincter injury is one which goes beyond the perineum and damages the muscles which control bowel movements, also referred to as the anal sphincter.
Obstetric anal sphincter injuries are defined by the extent of the tear, ranging from a 3a tear which affects up to 50% of the external anal sphincter, through a 3b and 3c tear to a 4th degree tear which damages both the external and internal muscles as well as the lining of the anal canal.
A 4th degree tear additionally puts the new mother at risk of developing rectovaginal fistula, potentially causing further distressing symptoms.
Negligent maternity care
It is clear that these injuries cause debilitating symptoms and, without accurate diagnosis and prompt, skilled surgical attention can dramatically impact a woman's quality of life. If a woman has suffered an OASI but returns home without a repair or with a substandard repair, it may be possible to make a claim for her subsequent symptoms and difficulties.
Negligence in relation to an obstetric anal sphincter injury could include the following:
- A failure to carry out a thorough examination of the new mother's perineum including a digital rectal examination following the birth of the baby
- A failure to recognise the extent of an injury or to identify that an injury has occurred at all
- A misdiagnosis of an injury
- A substandard repair of a 3rd or 4th degree tear
If the new mother suffers disabling symptoms due to the negligence of her maternity professionals and finds that her quality of life is affected, such as suffering a loss of income, she should speak to a legal specialist about the possibility of a claim for compensation.
Expert legal advice
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a team of experienced lawyers and a history of success in high-value birth injury cases.
Contact us today to speak with a specialist solicitor about making a claim for compensation if you are struggling with the effects of on-going bowel symptoms.
Contact us today to speak with a solicitor, 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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