Perineal Tear Risks and How to Claim Compensation
If rates of severe perineal tears are increasing, does this mean an increase in the number of severe tear compensation claims?
Are childbirth perineal tears increasing?
A recent study by Sky News appears to show not only that England has a higher rate of severe perineal tears during childbirth than some other European countries but that the occurrence of these potentially disabling injuries has increased over the past five years.
If this is the case, this is not good news for women who are planning to give birth to their baby through the vagina.
Certain groups of women, including first-time mothers and women who have undergone an instrumental delivery (e.g. with forceps), are particularly susceptible to these appalling injuries.
It is essential that they receive prompt and competent medical care to avoid a lifetime of disability.
It is to be hoped that the increasing occurrence, if such it is, is not accompanied by continued failings of diagnosis and repair.
Severe perineal tears
Severe tears, also referred to as 3rd or 4th degree tears, or OASI, sometimes occur when a baby is born. A tear which originates at the vagina spreads across the perineum and enters the muscles around the anus.
Accurate and prompt diagnosis and a comprehensive and effective repair are essential.
If medical professionals fail in their care of the new mother, leaving her with significant bowel problems, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Substandard care
Examples of poor care which might leave a new mother with an unrepaired severe tear could include the following:
- A failure to carry out a digital rectal examination of the new mother following the baby's birth
- A failure to identify that the anal sphincter has been damaged
- A misdiagnosis of damage such as diagnosing a 3c tear as a 3a tear
- An inadequate repair leaving the new mother with ongoing symptoms
If a new mother is found to have suffered from substandard care of her perineum and is struggling to cope with debilitating bowel symptoms, a successful claim could compensate her for any loss of earnings as well as the costs of treatment or equipment to help her manage her symptoms.
Free legal advice
If you think you might be the victim of negligent maternity care, contact Glynns Solicitors, specialists in medical negligence compensation claims.
Contact us today to talk to an experienced specialist 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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