Third Degree Tear RCOG
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) issued updated guidance on third and fourth degree tears in June 2015.
The document is called 'The Management of Third and Fourth Degree Perineal Tears' and covers a range of topics including: classification and terminology, prediction and prevention, identification and repair, post-operative management and prognosis, and future deliveries.
It is therefore a comprehensive guide to third degree tears. However, if there is anything you do not understand or if you have any concerns, you should speak to your GP, midwife or consultant.
Litigation
The final chapter of the guidance deals with risk management. It states that between 1 April 2000 and 31 March 2010, 441 medical negligence claims arose in England due to obstetric perineal trauma.
The RCOG guidance also says that at present, the occurrence of a perineal tear will not amount to medical negligence because it is a known complication of vaginal delivery. But if a perineal tear is not recognised, or it is repaired to a poor standard, there may be grounds for a claim.
Speak to a solicitor
If you suspect that you could be entitled to make a claim for a perineal tear, you need to speak to a solicitor.
A solicitor who specialises in medical negligence law will be able to tell you whether you have been the victim of medical negligence. As mentioned above, most claims relating to perineal tears arise because the injury was not initially detected, or because the repair was of a poor standard.
Such errors can result in life-changing issues, such as faecal urgency and incontinence. Although making a claim will not resolve these problems, it will enable you to access some form of justice. It will also ensure that you recover every penny lost as a result of your injuries, including past and future loss of earnings.
Contact us at Glynns Solicitors
To talk to a solicitor with expertise in third degree tear claims, please get in touch with us at Glynns Solicitors. We have successfully helped victims of obstetric perineal trauma get the compensation they deserve, and are more than willing to help you too.
We offer everyone a free initial enquiry. During this consultation, you will speak to a legal expert about the care you received and the injuries you have sustained. Afterwards we will consider your case and suggest whether you have grounds for a claim.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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