Perineal Trauma in Childbirth and When to Claim Compensation
A 3rd or 4th degree birth tear can cause debilitating symptoms. Speak to a specialist solicitor if you suspect that you have been the victim of negligence.
Perineal trauma in childbirth
Trauma to the perineum, the area of skin and muscle between the vagina and the anus, is not uncommon in vaginal childbirth. The birth of a baby puts significant pressure on that region and it will often tear. Generally, the tear will be small and easily resolved. Occasionally, however, the new mother will experience a more extensive tear which has the capacity to cause potentially life-changing symptoms.
Such an injury requires the prompt and competent attention of the medical professionals who are attending the birth. If they fail in their duty of care, they may be regarded as having been negligent and it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation for the impact of that negligence.
Medical care of 3rd and 4th degree tears
3rd and 4th degree tears are serious injuries which need to be repaired by a surgeon in an operating theatre. Needless to say, such a repair should be both competent in terms of techniques and materials used, but also comprehensive in the extent of the repair. A failure in this may be regarded as negligent.
For a repair of a severe birth tear to take place, it is necessary for a maternity professional to diagnose the injury correctly in the first place. If this does not happen, the injury may be only partially repaired, or not at all.
Failings which may be regarded as negligent with regard to diagnosis would include the following:
- A failure of examination
- A failure to identify that an injury has occurred affecting the anal muscles
- A misdiagnosis of any injury
When to claim compensation
It may be possible to claim compensation if medical negligence during the birth of your baby has left you struggling with distressing bowel symptoms. Depending on the nature of your injury, you may be experiencing leakage or incontinence of both wind and faeces.
A successful claim would address the impact of these appalling symptoms such as a loss of income if you are now struggling to work.
Speak to a legal specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with extensive experience of birth tear claims.
Contact us today to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, about your situation and 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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