Maternity Bowel Problems and Compensation for An Undiagnosed Tear
Bowel problems following a vaginal birth may indicate an undiagnosed severe tear. Speak to a legal specialist if you are struggling with debilitating bowel problems.
Birth tears and maternity negligence
Maternity perineal and anal birth tears come in varying types and sizes. Accurate diagnosis is essential.
A misdiagnosed or undiagnosed severe tear, i.e. a 3rd or 4th degree tear, has the capacity to devastate the life of a new mother and her family.
Severe vaginal childbirth tears require prompt and competent maternity care including the following:
- A digital rectal examination shortly after the birth of the baby to ensure that any injury to the anal sphincter is identified
- An accurate diagnosis of an anal sphincter injury as either a 3a, 3b, 3c or 4th degree tear
- A comprehensive and effective repair by an experienced surgeon in an operating theatre
Inevitably, if the injury is not diagnosed, it will not be repaired, and if the injury is not repaired, the new mother will develop distressing and disabling bowel problems. These may include leakage, urgency and incontinence of wind and faeces. Distressing, indeed!
If a significant delay occurs before an attempt is made to repair an anal sphincter injury, it is unlikely to be as effective as had it been done at the time it occurred. The new mother may require further surgery and may still experience distressing bowel symptoms.
Claiming compensation
If you are suffering the consequences of maternity negligence in relation to an undiagnosed severe tear, you may be able to claim compensation for your pain and suffering as well as the financial impact it has had on your life. For example, if you now need specialist treatment or equipment due to your symptoms, those costs can be included in a claim.
If you are struggling to work and experiencing a significant loss of earnings, this would also be included, taking account of both your past losses and your anticipated future losses. If you have had to reduce your working hours drastically due to your symptoms or have had to abandon your career because of the impact of your symptoms, the loss of income can be considerable.
Speak to a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a specialist medical negligence legal practice with extensive expertise in severe birth tear claims.
Contact us today to talk to an experienced solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim for the impact of your substandard medical care.
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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