£135,000 for mother with third degree tear after forceps delivery
The baby weighed 9lb 10oz and an episiotomy was performed. D suffered a third degree tear and damage to her external anal sphincter which was repaired in theatre.
Following the birth, D suffered from faecal and flatal incontinence and because her underlying condition of Crohn’s Disease, this was particularly disabling. D had never been incontinent before. In addition she suffered perineal pain and became depressed.
D then underwent anal ultrasonography which showed the damage to her sphincter but this was not followed up and D was not told of the result.
Samantha Critchley conducted an investigation with appropriate experts which identified two areas of potential negligence:-
- Failing to identify the extent of the tear and therefore a failure to carry out a full repair; and
- Using the wrong suture material.
The Defendants vigorously denied liability. A trial was fixed.
A week before trial, a Round-Table Meeting was held to attempt to settle the claim, but was not achieved at that meeting. Shortly afterwards, the Claimant accepted the sum of £135,000 in full and final settlement of her claim and the Defendant Trust provided a formal letter of apology. This was an important part of the settlement for D. The case was conducted on a “no win no fee” basis.
Contact us
For further information about birth injuries to the mother and 3rd degree perineal tear claims, please call Samantha Critchley on 03304606812 or email samantha.critchley@fieldfisher.com.
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