Undiagnosed 3rd Degree Tear and Compensation for the Consequences
An undiagnosed and unrepaired 3rd degree tear can cause extreme distress and financial difficulty. Speak to a legal specialist about making a claim.
What is a 3rd degree tear?
A 3rd degree tear in vaginal childbirth is not a simple matter. Not only are the possible consequences diverse and potentially life-changing but the injury itself can vary in nature and extent.
According to the guidelines of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, there are three different forms of 3rd degree tear.
- A 3a tear damages up to 50% of the external anal sphincter (in addition to damaging the skin and muscle from the vagina and across the perineum)
- A 3b tear injures more than 50% of the external anal sphincter
- A 3c tear additionally damages the internal anal muscle
It is essential that, if a woman has suffered a severe tear during the birth of her baby, her injury is accurately diagnosed and classified. Without this, she may not receive a comprehensive repair, leaving her to suffer the physical, practical, financial and psychological consequences.
Consequences and compensation
The symptoms associated with an unrepaired 3rd degree tear include urgency, leakage and incontinence of wind and faeces. The woman may also experience discomfort and infections.
Beyond the practical implications, the woman may struggle emotionally with what has happened to her and her personal relationships may come under pressure. Returning to work may seem impossible and some types of work may no longer be suitable, such as policing, healthcare, retail and hospitality to name but a few.
The financial consequences can be significant.
If the consequences of the new mother's unanticipated symptoms are found to have been the result of negligent maternity care in the failure to examine or diagnose or repair a 3rd degree tear, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
A successful claim will address issues of any financial losses, such as reduced income or the costs of care, as well as taking account of the woman's pain and suffering.
Speak to a legal specialist
If you think you may have a claim for medical negligence, the best next step is to speak to a specialist solicitor. They will be able to investigate the quality of your medical care and identify whether or not there has been a breach of duty.
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with extensive experience of successful 3rd degree tear claims.
Contact us today for a free consultation with a solicitor about the possibility of making 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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