OASI Diagnosis Negligence and Claiming Compensation
Without competent medical care, obstetric anal sphincter injuries can cause permanent bowel dysfunction. When medical professionals have been negligent, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Obstetric anal sphincter injuries
OASI are injuries which sometimes occur during vaginal childbirth. Believed to affect between 5% and 10% of vaginal births, there is some indication that the rate of OASI in the UK may even be increasing.
Also known as 3rd and 4th degree tears, OASI cause damage to the muscles around the anus. This occurs when the baby is being born and the perineal area comes under considerable pressure causing it to tear.
OASI can damage only the external anal sphincter muscle or both external and internal anal sphincter muscles. A 4th degree tear will additionally damage the lining of the anal canal and puts the woman at risk of a rectovaginal fistula.
Medical care and medical negligence
The potential severity of these symptoms means that OASI need to be diagnosed accurately and promptly following vaginal childbirth and that a skilled surgical repair is needed as soon as possible.
Without such diagnosis and repair, the new mother may develop extremely distressing and disabling bowel problems such as incontinence, affecting almost every aspect of her life, self-confidence and well-being.
The following actions may be regarded as negligent:
- A failure to carry out a perineal examination following vaginal childbirth
- A misdiagnosis of a perineal or anal injury
- A failure to carry out an appropriate, effective and full repair of the injury
Claiming compensation
If a failure to provide an adequate level of care has caused a new mother to suffer long-term symptoms affecting her quality of life, she could be entitled by law tom ake a claim for compensation.
A successful compensation claim would take into account any financial losses caused by the effects of the negligence such as inability to work due to significant bowel symptoms.
Remember, however, that claims for medical negligence have to be initiated within three years of the date of the alleged negligence. So if you believe your bowel problems were caused by negligent maternity care in January 2020, you need to begin your claim before 2023. Do not delay before seeking legal advice.
Specialist legal advice
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice. We have considerable expertise in maternal birth injury negligence compensation, having successfully supported numerous women in making claims for the effects of their OASI symptoms. Read their stories on our website and contact us to discuss your situation with a specialist solicitor.
Speak to a specialist solicitor
Glynns Solicitors is a specialist medical negligence legal practice with extensive expertise in maternal birth trauma claims. Contact us to day to talk to one of our experienced lawyers about your situation.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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