Suing for Poor Quality Perineal Tear Treatment
If a severe perineal birth tear is not repaired thoroughly by a highly-skilled medical practitioner, the woman can suffer bowel problems for the rest of her life. A successful compensation claim can provide a sense of justice as well as helping to deal with the difficulties of incontinence.
Anal sphincter damage
Suffering damage to the anus and the associated distressing symptoms can be a shocking and life-changing effect of vaginal childbirth. No woman approaching the birth of her baby imagines that she may lose control of her bowels as a result.
Diagnosis of any perineal and anal damage suffered during vaginal childbirth is crucial to ensuring a good recovery for the new mother. A failure to examine the woman, a misdiagnosis of the severity of her injury or a failure to diagnose perineal and anal damage at all may all be regarded as substandard care. Making a claim for compensation may well be justified if the new mother is subsequently left with disabling symptoms such as wind incontinence and bowel urgency.
However, diagnosis is only part of the process.
Perineal tear repairs
Whilst 1st and 2nd degree tears can be repaired in the maternity suite by a suitably-trained midwife, more severe damage needs expert surgical attention in an operating theatre.
A third or fourth degree birth tear damages the anal sphincter muscles which control the bowel. If such damage is not effectively repaired, the woman will continue to suffer appalling symptoms which can significantly restrict the way in which she lives her life.
Anal damage needs to be repaired by someone suitably trained and experienced. The correct techniques and materials need to be used depending on the extent and location of the injury. An inexperienced practitioner can fail to repair the full extent of the injury or use an inappropriate method of repair.
The wound may then break down with bowel symptoms of wind and faecal incontinence developing as a result.
Secondary surgery is less likely to be successful in resolving the symptoms and the damage.
Medical negligence
If a new mother who has suffered a severe birth tear continues to experience disabling symptoms due to poor treatment of her injury, it may be appropriate for her to make a claim for compensation.
If this sounds like your situation, contact Glynns today to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
We have supported many women in making claims for poor management of birth tears and will be very happy to help you.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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