Birth Tear Negligence and Compensation for Maternity Negligence
Contact Glynns Solicitors to discuss the possibility of making a claim if you are struggling with bowel problems after the birth of your baby.
Maternity guidelines for perineal damage
The Care Bundle of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists is clear in its guidelines relating to severe perineal tears in vaginal childbirth.
All women who have given birth through the vagina should undergo a thorough examination including a digital rectal examination to assess the condition of the anal sphincter.
If any damage is found to the anal muscles, this damage should be correctly identified according to the following classifications:
- A 3a tear affects less than 50% of the external anal sphincter
- A 3b tear affects more that 50% of the external anal sphincter
- A 3c tear affects both the external and internal anal sphincter
- A 4th degree tear additionally damages the lining of the anal canal
The impact of an unrepaired severe tear
The reason these guidelines are so specific is because of the severity of the symptoms which can develop from an unrepaired severe birth tear.
The anal sphincter, both external and internal muscles, enables a woman to control the passing of wind and faeces. If the muscles are damaged, she is likely to lose that control to some degree, possibly entirely.
If a woman suffers a 4th degree tear, which remains unrepaired, she may experience leakage from the vagina and even require a stoma to manage bowel function.
A prompt and comprehensive repair is essential to prevent this happening.
Negligent maternity care
Unfortunately, occasionally, a maternity professional fails in their care of the new mother's perineum and a severe tear is missed. This may be for a variety of reasons including the following:
- There is no examination of the anal sphincter and any damage is missed
- Damage is there but it is not identified
- Damage to the anal sphincter is identified but it is incorrectly diagnosed such as classifying a 3c tear, which affects the internal muscle, as a 3a tear which does not
Any of these scenarios can mean that the new mother goes home without a repair to her anal sphincter. She is likely to develop bowel problems such as leakage of wind and faeces, which can have an utterly devastating on her quality of life, her confidence and her capacity to work.
Speak to a specialist solicitor
A successful compensation claim will address the impact of any negligence such as a loss of earnings or the costs of equipment and specialist treatment as well as recognising the woman's pain and suffering.
Contact Glynns, specialists in medical negligence law, to talk to an experienced solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim.
Over the years we have developed a wealth of understanding of the distressing impact of unrepaired birth tears and will approach your case with sensitivity and sympathy.
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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