Permanent Stoma and Misdiagnosed Birth Injury
A misdiagnosis of a maternal birth injury during vaginal childbirth can leave a woman requiring a stoma for the rest of her life. Such a shocking outcome may justify a claim for compensation.
A stoma and its implications
A stoma serves to provide bowel function where the normal functioning of the bowel has been damaged. Where a woman suffers substandard maternity care, the need for a stoma can become a reality. As well as the psychological impact that such an unexpected and unnecessary outcome can cause, a stoma may have implications for many practical aspects of a woman's life.
For example, some areas of employment may become difficult or impossible to undertake with a stoma. This can result in a significant loss of income.
Where this outcome is due to negligent medical care during childbirth, a woman would be entitled to make a claim for compensation, which should address any financial losses caused by the negligence.
Negligent medical care
The guidelines related to the potential for perineal and anal damage during vaginal childbirth are clear. All women who have given birth through the vagina, as opposed to by caesarean section, should undergo a thorough perineal examination shortly after the birth of this baby. In order to ensure that any damage to the anal muscles is not missed, this examination should include a digital rectal examination.
If any damage is observed, it is essential that it is accurately and precisely diagnosed and recorded according to the classifications of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
A failure to carry out an examination could be regarded as negligent.
A failure to record any perineal or anal damage correctly may also be regarded as negligent.
A misdiagnosis risks the new mother being left with permanent bowel dysfunction if a 3rd or 4th degree tear is not repaired and such an outcome, due to negligent medical care, would justify a claim for compensation.
Claiming compensation
If you are suffering the long-term effects of bowel dysfunction due to negligent maternity care during the birth of your baby, contact Glynns Solicitors.
We are specialists in medical negligence law with extensive experience of maternal birth injury claims.
Contact us today to talk to a solicitor about your circumstances and the suitability of making a claim for compensation.
Speak to a specialist
If you are suffering bowel difficulties due to an undiagnosed and unrepaired birth tear. Contact Glynns Solicitors today to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
Contact us today to talk to a specialist solicitor about the possibility of making a claim for compensation.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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