Obstetric Failings and Claiming Compensation for a 3rd Degree Tear
3rd degree tears are a risk of vaginal childbirth but a failure by medical professionals attendant at the birth to identify and repair such an injury may well be regarded as negligent.
Care of a 3rd degree tear
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommends that every woman who has given birth through the vagina should undergo a thorough examination following the delivery of their baby, including a digital rectal examination to assess for any anal damage.
If any damage has occurred due to the physical pressure of the baby's birth on the vagina and the muscle of the perineum, it is essential that the injury is identified.
It should then be accurately diagnosed as either a 3a, 3b, 3c or 4th degree tear.
An effective and comprehensive repair by an experienced surgeon in an operating theatre is then required promptly to ensure that the woman recovers from symptoms.
Negligent medical care of a 3rd degree tear
If maternity professionals fail to carry out an appropriate examination, fail to identify any damage to the anal sphincter or fail to make an accurate diagnosis and arrange for a repair, they may be regarded as having been negligent in their care of the new mother.
The consequences for the physical and psychological health of the woman can be life-changing and affect her ability to bond with and support her baby.
3rd degree tear symptoms
A 3rd degree tear causes damage to the muscles around the anus and thus reduces a woman's ability to control the passing of wind and faeces.
Consequently, if a severe tear is not repaired, the new mother will experience some degree of leakage or incontinence, depending on the severity her injury.
Without a timely repair, these symptoms may well worsen over time.
Claiming compensation
In order to make a claim for compensation for negligent medical care, it is essential to get the advice and support of a specialist solicitor. They will have the knowledge and experience of both the complex legal procedures and deadlines as well as the medical understanding and access to the best medical experts.
They will be able to investigate the quality of your medical care, identify whether or not you have been the victim of substandard care and, where appropriate develop a claim on your behalf.
Free legal advice
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a team of experienced lawyers and extensive experience in birth tear 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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