OASI Compensation Claim After Negligent Maternity Care

Suffering an OASI (obstetric anal sphincter injury) is a risk of vaginal childbirth. Thankfully, this appalling injury only occurs to a minority of women but prompt and competent medical care is essential.

Medical responses to an OASI

If an anal injury in childbirth is identified, accurately diagnosed and effectively repaired, the new mother should recover from her bowel symptoms.

If it is not, however, the resulting bowel problems of urgency and incontinence can be life-changing.

A successful compensation claim can help the new mother to deal with the practical aspects of her injury and to address the financial impact which the negligent medical care has had on her life.

OASI damage

An OASI is a tear which causes damage to the muscles around the anus. It can vary in extent from affecting the external sphincter only, through to damaging both external and internal muscles as well as the lining of the anal canal.

All forms of OASI can cause a degree of loss of control of the passing of both wind and faeces. The most extreme form of OASI, a 4^th degree tear, puts the woman at risk of developing a fistula between the anus and the vagina as well as possibly needing a stoma to be fitted to provide bowel function.

Not surprisingly, such injuries can cause wide-ranging consequences for the new mother’s quality of life if they are not fully and competently repaired. It may affect a woman’s ability to work and undertake a range of tasks and activities. Her symptoms may require considerable practical management during the course of a day as well as possibly requiring specialist equipment and treatment.

Her emotional health may suffer.

Claiming compensation

If negligent maternity care has left a new mother with distressing and debilitating bowel symptoms, speak to a specialist medical negligence solicitor about making a claim for compensation.

This will address the financial consequences of the impact of the negligence such as the woman’s loss of earnings, both past and future, or the costs of treatment and support where necessary.

Free specialist legal advice

Here at Glynns Solicitors, we have a long history of supporting women who have suffered an OASI in making a successful claim. We fully understand both the physical and emotional impact which these appalling injuries can have as well as the implications for a woman’s quality of life.

Contact us today to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, about what has occurred to you and the possibility of making a claim.

We can offer No Win No Fee medical negligence funding which we will discuss with you during your free initial telephone discussion.

Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.

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