Maternal Birth Injuries and Claiming Compensation
Negligent care of a maternal birth injury can leave a new mother with permanent bowel problems. It may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Maternal birth injuries
The term 'maternal birth injuries' refers to damage caused to the mother during childbirth. In this article, we are discussing one of the most common maternal birth injuries which is a perineal tear.
Perineal tears, causing damage to the region around the vagina, occur to the majority of women who give birth through the vagina. They occur as the baby is born through the vagina and are caused by the increased pressure on the vagina and perineum.
For most women, they are easily dealt with in the maternity unit and heal promptly. For around 1 in 20 women, however, the damage extends much further and causes more severe and debilitating damage.
3rd and 4th degree tears
Such injuries are referred to as anal sphincter injuries or, more specifically, 3rd and 4th degree tears.
3rd and 4th degree tears affect the muscles around the anus. This means that, if they are not correctly identified and effectively repaired, the new mother can very soon start to experience problems with bowel control. Symptoms of leakage of both wind and faeces can become permanent.
A 4th degree tear additionally damages the internal lining of the anal canal, or anal mucosa, which, if it remains undiagnosed, can lead to a rectovaginal fistula, allowing wind and faeces to seep through to the vagina.
Claiming compensation
If you have suffered a severe maternal birth injury which has not been diagnosed or repaired, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
The long-term effects of such a debilitating injury can be life-changing. A woman who is incontinent of both wind and faeces may struggle to cope with her symptoms and may find that some types of employment are no longer accessible. Popular forms of work such as hospitality, retail, education and healthcare may not be open to her.
If such an alteration in lifestyle causes a woman to suffer a loss of income, it may be possible to claim compensation which would take this into account.
Speak to a specialist solicitor
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice. As such, we can offer extensive expertise in this specialist field as well as being able to access the best medical experts.
Contact us today to talk to an experienced lawyer about the suitability of making a claim for compensation for your substandard maternity care.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
Make An Enquiry
Why Choose Us
- Specialist medical negligence solicitors
- Free initial enquiries
- No win, no fee available
Reviews
Our Expertise
Helping Clients Across England & Wales
