Post-natal Examination Negligence and Compensation for Bowel Dysfunction.
A failure to examine the mother's perineum after the birth of her baby may justify a claim for compensation if the woman is left with distressing bowel problems.
Essential perineal examination
The examination of the perineal area of a new mother following the birth of her baby through a vaginal delivery is absolutely crucial to the woman's long-term health and well-being. Negligence on the part of the relevant maternity professionals can leave a woman suffering permanent and disabling bowel symptoms.
The perineal area is the region around the vagina and between the vagina and the anus. Every woman who has given birth through the vagina should undergo an examination of the perineum following the birth. This examination should include a rectal digital examination to check for any damage to the anal sphincter muscles.
A vaginal birth can cause a tear to the skin which, in the worst cases, can spread right across the perineum and into the anus. Such a severe and potentially debilitating injury needs to be identified and repaired promptly. When this does not happen the new mother may suffer on-going bowel symptoms of urgency and incontinence, possibly necessitating further surgery and treatment which may well not succeed.
Negligent maternity care
Maternity professionals may be regarded as having been negligent in the following circumstances:
- The new mother does not undergo a perineal examination
- She does not receive a digital rectal examination
- Damage to the anal sphincter is not identified
- Damage to the anal sphincter is misdiagnosed
If negligence of this nature causes the new mother to suffer on-going bowel problems which would not have been the case with an appropriate level of care, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation for the impact.
A new mother with such distressing symptoms may struggle to work as well as needing specialist equipment, treatment and care.
Where a claim is successful, the financial losses associated with these difficulties would be included in the claim.
Speak to a legal specialist
Compensation claims for medical negligence are extremely complex and require the expertise and experience of a specialist in medical negligence law.
Funding Your Medical Negligence Claim
Glynns specialise in medical negligence claims, undertaking no other legal work.
This specialisation ensures that we have the skills ready and waiting to help you in the most efficient and economical way.
It also means that 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.
Make An Enquiry
Why Choose Us
- Specialist medical negligence solicitors
- Free initial enquiries
- No win, no fee available
Reviews
Our Expertise
Helping Clients Across England & Wales
