Permanent Bowel Problems and Compensation for Maternity Negligence
Negligent maternity care and claiming compensation for the appalling impact of bowel incontinence.
Severe perineal injuries and maternity care
Severe perineal injuries are otherwise referred to as 3rd and 4th degree tears which, as well as damaging the perineum, cause injury to the anal sphincter, the muscles which control bowel continence.
Severe perineal birth injuries can cause devastating bowel dysfunction such as the following:
- Damage to the anal sphincter can cause loss of control over both wind and the passing of faeces
- A 4th degree tear may lead to the development of a fistula, or passage, between the anus and the vagina, a rectovaginal fistula, which can allow wind or faecal matter to leak out from the vagina rather than the anus
- A 4th degree tear may necessitate the fitting of a stoma to provide bowel function
Women who have given birth through the vagina are susceptible to a severe birth tear, especially those who are giving birth for the first time, those who are giving birth to a large baby or those who have needed an instrumental delivery.
In all cases, it is necessary for medical professionals attending the birth to ensure that any and all damage to the perineum and anus is correctly diagnosed.
Negligent maternity care and the consequences
If maternity professionals are negligent in their care of the perineum during childbirth or fail to diagnose a severe anal tear correctly, thereby leaving the woman to suffer permanent bowel dysfunction, they may be regarded as having been negligent. If so, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation for consequences such as loss of income where a woman has struggled to return to work or who is now restricted in the type of work she can do due to her bowel problems.
If symptoms of bowel incontinence have left you or a loved one suffering the on-going consequences, you may be able to claim compensation. For example, if you are now limited in the hours you can work or they type of job you can do because of your continence problems, you may be able to claim compensation for the loss of income, both past and future.
Speak to a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a specialist medical negligence legal practice. We have a team of experienced lawyers who can offer extensive expertise in high-value birth injury compensation claims.
If you are considering whether to make a claim for compensation for negligent maternity care, contact us today to speak with a solicitor about your experience and whether a claim may be a suitable way forward.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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