Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury Claims
This week has been declared World OASI Week by the support group, Mothers With 4th Degree Tears, to try to spread awareness and reduce the long-term impact of these distressing and debilitating injuries.
What is an OASI?
An obstetric anal sphincter injury is a severe form of tear which can affect women who have given birth vaginally. There are two forms of OASI - a third degree tear or a fourth degree tear. Third degree tears damage the perineum (between the vagina and anus) as well as tearing the anal sphincter muscles which control the bowel. Fourth degree tears, the most severe form of birth tear, additionally injure the lining of the anal canal.
Any woman giving birth through the vagina can suffer an OASI although it is more likely to happen to first-time mothers, mothers carrying a large baby and women who have undergone an instrumental birth. It is thought that around 5% of women giving birth suffer these shocking injuries.
Medical negligence
If a 3rd or 4th degree tear is not diagnosed and repaired accurately, the new mother can find that her bowel symptoms become permanent and may even worsen over time. She is likely to suffer leakage of wind and faeces as well as infections of the perineum.
If the on-going nature of the woman's problems is due to poor medical care such as misdiagnosis of an OASI as a lesser injury, or an inadequate repair of severe damage, the relevant medical professionals may be regarded as having provided substandard care.
Claiming compensation
The long-term impact of an unrepaired OASI can be dramatic. A woman may be restricted in her employment or unable to work at all. She may lose her confidence and become socially isolated. She may struggle to come to terms with her injury and require support to bring up her child.
If you are suffering the on-going impact of an obstetric anal sphincter injury due to poor medical care, you should seek specialist legal support.
Here at Glynns Solicitors we have supported numerous women in making successful compensation claims for negligent medical care of severe birth tears.
Contact us today to talk to one of our team of specialist medical negligence solicitors.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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