3rd Degree Tear Diagnosis Mistake and How to Claim Compensation
Third and fourth degree tears are a recognised risk of vaginal childbirth. Without appropriate medical care, they can cause distressing a debilitating symptoms. If medical professionals fail to provide the correct level of care, it may be possible to claim compensation.
Diagnosis of severe perineal tears
If a mistake is made in the diagnosis of a 3rd degree tear, the new mother may not receive a repair of what is a very serious injury. An error in diagnosis may mean that the injury is not diagnosed at all or that it is only partially diagnosed, leading to only a partial repair and on-going symptoms.
Third degree tears vary in extent and severity:
- A 3a tear cuts across the perineum and causes damage to up to 50% of the external anal sphincter. This will start to affect the woman's control of her wind and bowel movements.
- A 3b tear causes damage to more than 50% of the external anal muscle, adding to the likelihood of debilitating symptoms
- A 3c tear additionally causes damage to the internal anal muscle, further compromising the woman's control of the passing of wind and faeces
Diagnosis matters because, without diagnosis, there will be no repair. Even a delayed repair is likely to be less successful in resolving the woman's bowel symptoms.
If medical professionals are regarded as responsible for failing to diagnose a severe tear, it may be possible to claim compensation for the impact of that negligence.
The impact of a severe tear and when to claim
A severe birth tear, resulting in disabling bowel symptoms, can limit a woman's capacity to work and may result in a significant loss of income. Such losses would be included in a successful claim.
If a woman requires specialist treatment or equipment in order to manage her symptoms, the associated costs could be included in her claim.
If this situation applies to you, and you suspect that you have been the victim of negligent care, you should contact a specialist solicitor as soon as possible so that they can investigate the quality of your medical care. This is necessary before a claim can be issued on your behalf.
Glynns Solicitors
Glynns is a specialist medical negligence legal firm with a team of experienced solicitors and extensive expertise in birth tear compensation claims.
Contact us today to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim.
We can offer No Win No Fee medical negligence funding which we will discuss with you during your free initial telephone discussion.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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