Childbirth Fistula Symptoms and When to Claim Compensation
If you have developed a rectovaginal fistula following the birth of your baby due to an unrepaired birth tear, speak to a specialist solicitor about the possibility of making a claim for compensation.
Fistula symptoms and difficulties
A rectovaginal fistula can develop if a 4th degree tear during vaginal childbirth remains unrepaired. A 4th degree tear is the most severe of birth tears, causing damage to the lining of the anal canal as well as tearing the external and internal anal muscles.
If a fistula develops, the new mother may start to experience the appalling symptoms of uncontrolled leakage of wind and faeces from the vagina rather than through the anus.
She may also need to have a stoma fitted as either a temporary or permanent measure in order to facilitate bowel movements.
The impact of a fistula
It is difficult to identify whether it is the physical and practical impact of a fistula which is the most devastating outcome, or the psychological shock which such problematic symptoms can cause.
Some women who suffer this terrible injury find that their day seems to revolve around the management of their symptoms and their loss of confidence also limits their ability to leave the home and resume their normal life.
Not surprisingly, this can also affect their ability to support and nurture their new-born baby.
Such difficult symptoms can also affect a woman's ability to work. It may be that she can only manage reduced hours or it may be that she can no longer continue in the same form of employment due to the nature of her symptoms.
The physical and financial consequences can be devastating and extremely difficult to manage.
Making a claim for compensation
Where this appalling situation is due to negligent maternity care, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
A successful claim will take account of the woman's financial losses, such as a loss of income and the costs of treatment, as well as recognising her pain and suffering.
Negligent maternity care which could lead to this shocking situation would relate to a failure to diagnose the 4th degree tear which has caused the fistula to develop.
Failing to examine a new mother and failing to recognise that she has suffered damage to the anal sphincter would be regarded as negligent.
Speak to a specialist solicitor
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with extensive expertise in birth tear negligence 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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