NHS Maternity Negligence and How to Claim Compensation
Women experiencing NHS maternity care during the birth of their baby should expect to receive a certain standard of care. Where this does not occur, they may suffer permanent bowel dysfunction which may justify a claim for compensation.
The impact of negligent maternity care on a new mother
Negligent maternity care can cause devastating problems for the new-born baby. However, it can also cause lifelong problems for the new mother if damage to her perineum and anal muscles remains undiagnosed.
A woman who has just given birth through the vagina requires a prompt and careful examination and, where necessary, prompt surgery to repair any severe damage which has occurred during the birth of her baby.
Women who choose to give birth through the vagina face the risk of damage to their anal muscles. These are the external and internal muscles which work together to prevent and control the passing of wind and faeces. If any damage is not repaired adequately by an experienced surgeon shortly after the birth, the new mother may suffer lifelong and life-changing bowel problems.
For some women, this can have devastating consequences, permanently denying them of the chance to pursue their chosen career path and thereby reducing their income as well as causing significant emotional distress.
The right to compensation
If a patient suffers symptoms and difficulties following negligent medical care, they are legally entitled to claim compensation for the impact of that negligent care.
This is no different for women who have suffered unrepaired severe damage due to substandard maternity care during childbirth.
If failures of care have left a woman with on-going problems with incontinence of wind and faeces, she should be able to make a claim for the impact.
Negligent maternity care may include failures to examine a woman following childbirth, failures of diagnosis or referral and failures in the process of repair such as use of an incorrect technique or incorrect material leading to a failure of the repair.
How to make a claim
Compensation claims for medical negligence are extremely complex. If you suspect that you may have a claim, the best first step is to talk to a solicitor who specialises in this field. They will be able to obtain your medical records and investigate the quality of your maternity care.
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a team of experienced lawyers and a history of successful high-value birth tear claims.
Contact us today to speak to a solicitor 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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