Severe Perineal Birth Injury and Compensation for Maternity Negligence
A severe perineal birth injury, often referred to as a 3rd or 4th degree tear, is severe not only in its physical impact but in the symptoms it can cause and the disruption to a woman's quality of life.
Competent, timely and effective maternity care is essential for the diagnosis and repair of these potentially life-changing injuries. A failure by medical professionals can condemn a woman to a future of disability and distress, affecting the lives of both her and her family.
If negligence is at the root of on-going symptoms, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
3rd and 4th degree tears
Third and fourth degree tears affect around 6% of women giving birth through the vagina and are due to the pressure of the delivery on the skin and muscles around the vagina.
Prompt diagnosis and a professional repair by an experienced surgeon can ensure that, with time, the new mother makes a full recovery.
Substandard care, however, can mean that a tear which rips through a woman's anal sphincter and leaves her struggling with severe bowel difficulties remains undiagnosed and unrepaired.
Negligent post-natal perineal care
A variety of medical failings can lead to a situation where a severe birth tear remains unresolved:
- The new mother does not undergo a thorough examination, including a digital rectal examination, following the birth of her baby
- Medical professionals fail to diagnose any anal sphincter damage
- Medical professionals misdiagnose anal sphincter damage, such as diagnosing a 3c tear as a 3a tear, or a 3rd degree tear as a 2nd degree tear
- A tear is correctly diagnosed but does not receive an effective surgical repair
The right to compensation
If a patient suffers an adverse outcome due to negligent medical care, they are legally entitled to claim compensation. If a new mother finds that substandard maternity care leaves her unable to work or limited in the type of employment she can manage, she should be able to make a claim for the loss of income caused by the negligent care.
Speak to a legal specialist
If you or a loved one are struggling with the appalling bowel symptoms of an unrepaired birth tear, contact Glynns Solicitors. Glynns is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with extensive expertise in and experience of birth tear claims.
Contact us today to speak with a solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim for the impact of your negligent maternity care.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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