OASI Complications and When to Claim Compensation
An OASI (an obstetric anal sphincter injury) is a form of damage to the muscles around the anus which can sometimes occur during vaginal childbirth. If it does not receive competent and timely medical attention, the new mother may suffer a lifetime of bowel problems.
OASI complications
An OASI is a 3rd or 4th degree tear, crossing the perineum from the vagina and damaging the anal sphincter. It needs to be diagnosed shortly after the birth of the baby and repaired, fully and effectively, in an operating theatre by an experienced surgeon.
Unfortunately, this process does not always happen, leaving the new mother to cope with the consequences.
Complications which may occur and which may result in a failure of repair could include the following:
- A failure by the medical professionals attending the birth to carry out a thorough examination of the new mother including a digital rectal examination, specifically to assess the condition of the anal sphincter
- A failure to identify damage to the anal muscles when it has occurred
- A misdiagnosis of a severe tear - this may mean that only part of the injury is repaired, thereby compromising the new mother's long-term bowel function
- A failure to carry out a full and effective repair, meaning either that the repair breaks down or that a part of the injury is not repaired at all
Failings such as those above may be regarded as negligent and may justify a claim for compensation.
When to claim compensation
It may be possible to claim compensation for the consequences of an OASI when it is found both that an act of negligence has taken place during or after the birth of the baby, and that the negligence caused the new mother to suffer debilitating symptoms which would not have been the case with an appropriate level of care.
Sometimes, the impact of an unrepaired OASI can be wide-ranging and extremely costly, severely damaging the new mother's financial well-being. For example, her bowel symptoms may mean that it is difficult to work in a range of careers, meaning that she suffers a significant reduction in her income. Where this is the case, the financial losses would be included in a successful claim.
If you have been the victim of negligent maternity care, it is essential to talk to a legal specialist to ensure that any claim is thoroughly investigated and fully financially assessed.
Legal advice
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with extensive expertise in OASI claims.
Contact us today to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, about 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 on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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