We are specialists in dealing with perineal tear medical negligence claims. Read about how one of our solicitors recovered £350,000 for her client who suffered a 4th degree perineal tear.
If you have suffered a perineal tear that has been caused by negligent medical treatment then contact our free legal helpline. Call 0333 888 0404 or send an email to [email protected].
Caroline Webber-Brown, a solicitor and partner in our medical negligence team has succeeded in recovering compensation totalling £350,000 from Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust in Devon for failure to diagnose and repair a 4th degree perineal tear.
Perineal tears are common during childbirth. While most heal quickly, some tears can be very severe, especially those that extend into the lining of the anus or rectum. These need to be quickly repaired in the operating theatre.
There are four categories of perineal tear:
- 1st degree tears which are small and skin deep.
- 2nd degree tears which are deeper and affect the muscle of the perineum.
- 3rd degree tears: which affect the muscle of the perineum and the anus.
- 4th degree tears: which go further into the lining of the anus or bowel.
There are a number of factors making it more likely that a mother will suffer a perineal tear during childbirths. These include situations where:
- The mother has not given birth before.
- The baby weighs more than 9lb.
- There has been a long second stage of childbirth.
- The delivery required forceps or vacuum assistance.
In Caroline’s case, her client suffered a 4th degree perineal tear during the birth of her second child, but the hospital failed to diagnose and repair it. When it was eventually diagnosed the delay prevented successful treatment. Attempts to repair her anal sphincter and implantat a nerve stimulation device failed. The client was left suffering flatus and faecal incontinence and eventually had to have a permanent colostomy. Not unsurprisingly this impacted her mental health, and she suffered post-traumatic stress and severe depression.
As a result of the hospital’s negligence in dealing with the client’s 4th degree perineal tear Caroline pursued a perineal tear medical negligence claim against the hospital. The case was successfully settled out of court with Caroline’s client receiving compensation totalling £350,000.
How we can help you
If you would like expert guidance on making a perineal tear medical negligence claim, then contact Caroline Webber-Brown for a chat. Caroline will be happy to answer your questions about making a claim and explain how our No Win, No Fee funding scheme works.
