Suing the NHS for Third Degree Tear Negligence
If you are suffering life-changing symptoms due to negligent medical care of a 3rd degree tear during childbirth, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation. Speak to a specialist lawyer as soon as possible.
Third degree tears
Third degree tears during vaginal childbirth require prompt professional medical attention.
Without an accurate diagnosis and surgical repair, a new mother may find herself experiencing appalling symptoms including incontinence of both wind and faeces.
The reason for this is that a third degree tear causes damage to the muscles which control the passing of wind and faeces. When a baby is born, the pressure sometimes causes a tear around the vagina and, if the new mother is unlucky, the tear can spread across the perineum to the anus.
Consequently, a prompt repair is necessary. A delay in recognition of a severe tear and a delay in surgery to repair it can reduce the likely effectiveness of such a repair and puts the woman at risk of permanent symptoms.
Diagnosing a 3rd degree tear
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommends that all women who give birth through the vagina, as opposed to through a caesarean section, should undergo a thorough examination following the birth of their baby. This should include a digital rectal examination to assess the condition of the anal sphincter muscles and anal canal.
Any injury should be accurately classified as either a 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th degree tear.
Third degree tears are further sub-classified according to their extent as either a 3a, 3b or 3c tear. This level of precision is necessary as a diagnosis of a 3c tear as a 3a tear, for example, can mean that a significant portion of a tear (damage to the internal sphincter) is not repaired.
If medical professionals attending a birth fail to ensure that any perineal or anal injury is diagnosed, leaving the new mother with on-going symptoms, they may be regarded as having been negligent and it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Claiming compensation
If you have an unrepaired or poorly-repaired third degree tear, it is likely that your life has been significantly affected by your symptoms. You may struggle to work in some types of employment or you may only be able to manage limited hours of employment.
If you are suffering financial losses such as this as a consequence of negligent medical care, speak to a legal specialist about the possibility of making a claim for compensation.
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal firm with a team of layers specialising in this complex field of law. Contact us today to speak with one of our team, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim.
Contact us today to discuss the suitability of making a claim for compensation for your substandard 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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