OASI Misdiagnosis and How to Claim Compensation
An OASI misdiagnosis can be life-changing. What does it mean and how can you claim compensation for medical negligence?
What is OASI misdiagnosis?
An OASI (an obstetric anal sphincter injury) is a severe tear, affecting the anal muscles, which can occasionally happen during vaginal childbirth under the physical pressure of the birth. Diagnosis of these injuries has to be both precise and accurate in order to ensure that the new mother receives a comprehensive and effective repair. Without this, she will suffer on-going bowel symptoms such as incontinence of both wind and faeces.
A misdiagnosis is when the injury is incorrectly identified. This is likely to mean that the new mother only receives a partial repair or no repair at all. It is essential that the full extent of the injury is identified under examination. If only a part of the tear is diagnosed, the remainder may not be repaired.
An example of an OASI misdiagnosis is when a 3c tear, which affects the internal anal muscle, is diagnosed as a 3a tear, which does not. Therefore, the internal damage may remain unrepaired.
Diagnosis and medical negligence
In order to ensure a correct diagnosis, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommends that women who have given birth vaginally should undergo a thorough perineal examination after the birth of their baby. This should include a digital rectal examination to assess the condition of the anal muscles, both external and internal, and to make a diagnosis if an OASI has occurred.
A failure to carry out such an examination or a misdiagnosis of an injury may both be regarded as negligent and may justify a claim for compensation if the new mother suffers on-going and debilitating symptoms.
How to claim compensation
If you are struggling with the distressing bowel symptoms of an unrepaired anal sphincter birth injury, your first step towards making a claim is to speak with a specialist solicitor. They will be able to obtain copies of your medical records and carry out an investigation into the quality of your maternity care.
If it is found that you have been the victim of negligent care, leaving you with an unrepaired OASI, they will work with you to prepare a witness statement, assess the impact of the negligence on your quality of life and make a claim for compensation.
Speak to a specialist solicitor
Glynns is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with extensive experience of OASI claims and a thorough understanding of the devastation that these injuries can cause.
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.
Make An Enquiry
Why Choose Us
- Specialist medical negligence solicitors
- Free initial enquiries
- No win, no fee available
Reviews
Our Expertise
Helping Clients Across England & Wales
