Claims for Tearing During Childbirth

If you have suffered a vaginal tear, perineal tear or anal sphincter damage during childbirth, and it could have been avoided, you may be in a position to claim compensation for the pain and suffering caused.

At JMW, our expert medical negligence solicitors have many years of experience acting on behalf of mothers who have suffered such traumatic and distressing injuries that were not correctly treated. We will help you by securing the compensation you deserve and ensuring you have the support you need at this difficult time. 

To find out more about how we can help with your compensation claim contact our clinical negligence team today by calling 0345 872 6666 or complete our online enquiry form and we will give you a call back. Our initial advice is free and we can offer no win, no fee agreements on the cases we take on. 

How JMW Can Help

Although often difficult to prevent, tears should be properly checked to prevent long-lasting effects. Our specialist solicitors have represented many mothers who have needlessly suffered due to clinical negligence following damage to the vagina, perineum or anal sphincter. 

As well as the expertise we offer our clients, we understand how difficult it is for mothers who have endured these types of injuries and treat every case and client with the high level of care they deserve.

Our clinical negligence team includes members of the Law Society’s specialist panel, as well as the Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA) solicitor panel, and is known throughout the UK for its professionalism and high success rates.

Making a Claim for Tearing During Childbirth

Tears during childbirth are often impossible to predict or prevent, as they are sometimes an unfortunate but natural by-product of delivering a baby. However, obstetricians and midwives should carry out a full examination of the perineum, vagina and rectum for injuries and provide advice on relevant treatment, including surgery, to make sure there are no long-lasting consequences.

Vaginal tears can vary in severity and those that involve only the skin around the vagina will typically heal within a couple of weeks. If tears are more extensive they can take longer to heal while excessive pain could be a sign of infection.

Damage to the anal sphincter following childbirth should be treated as quickly as possible. Symptoms of a sphincter injury include vaginal faecal loss, faecal incontinence, uncontrollable flatus, and faecal seepage. 

This kind of damage can have serious long-term effects if it is not spotted and correctly addressed and you may be entitled to a claim for compensation due to medical negligence. Vaginal, perineal or anal sphincter tears could lead to physical and psychological issues, such as:

• Intense pain
• Anal fistula
• Infection
• Incontinence
• Anxiety
• Fear of having sex or giving birth

For more information on making a claim for a perineal tear, visit our dedicated page.

FAQs

What causes tears during childbirth?

Tears to the vagina, perineum or anal sphincter can occur for a number of reasons, including:

• One of the baby’s shoulders getting stuck behind the mother’s pubic bone
• Delivery of a baby that is particularly large
• The second stage of labour lasting longer than originally expected