Instrumental Deliveries, the Risk of a Severe Birth Tear and Claiming Compensation
An undiagnosed birth tear following an instrumental delivery of a baby may justify a claim for compensation. Speak to a legal specialist.
The risks of an instrumental delivery
Instrumental assistance to help with the vaginal delivery of a baby can add to the risk of a woman suffering a severe birth tear.
These tears, referred to as 3rd or 4th degree tears, start at the vagina and extend across the perineum and into the anal muscles. Any additional pressure on the region around the vagina, therefore, such as the use of forceps to deliver the baby, can increase the tear risk.
As this is a known risk, a forceps or ventouse delivery should alert maternity professionals to the possibility that the new mother may have suffered a severe tear.
An examination of her anal sphincter is absolutely crucial.
A failure to carry out such an examination may be regarded as negligent. If a 3rd or 4th degree tear is not diagnosed, the new mother will not undergo a repair and may suffer a lifetime of bowel symptoms such as urgency, leakage and incontinence of wind and faeces.
Claiming compensation
If an individual is adversely affected by substandard medical care, they are legally entitled to compensation.
A successful claim will address the financial impact as well as taking account of any pain and suffering.
The financial impact of 3rd and 4th degree tears can be considerable. A woman who is experience leakage of wind and faeces may find it difficult to work in some types of employment. She may require immediate access to toilet facilities and be restricted in the type of work she can do, She may only be able to manage limited hours of work due to the complex management of her symptoms.
Her loss of earnings would be included in a successful claim as would any additional costs caused by the consequences of her negligence such as specialist treatment or equipment.
Speak to a specialist solicitor
Here at Glynns Solicitors, we speak with women who are suffering the impact of substandard perineal care on a daily basis. Over many years, we have supported numerous women in making successful claims for the consequences of their severe injuries and have a wealth of understanding of these distressing and complex injuries.
Contact us today to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim for compensation if you are struggling with 3rd or 4th degree tear following an instrumental delivery.
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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