If blunt scissors were used to cut your episiotomy and this contributed towards you developing a third degree tear, you could be entitled to claim compensation.
Safe episiotomies
An episiotomy is when the perineum is deliberately cut during a vaginal delivery. Usually this is only done if the vaginal opening needed to be widened – for example, to make room for a forceps delivery.
Episiotomies are not performed routinely because they are known to increase the risk of a third or fourth degree tear. But sometimes an episiotomy is required to ensure the wellbeing of either the mother or the baby. If so, care should be taken to carry out the episiotomy as safely as possible.
To minimise the risk of a tear, the medical practitioner performing the cut should use a sharp pair of scissors. Furthermore, the cut should be made diagonally (a medio-later episiotomy) rather than straight downwards (a midline episiotomy).
Episiotomies and third degree tears
This is the safest way to carry out an episiotomy. Nevertheless, it is possible that a third or fourth degree tear will occur, even if an episiotomy is properly carried out. In such cases, medical practitioners will have provided a good standard of care and cannot be blamed for the tear.
However, there are times when an episiotomy will lead to a serious tear, and this is the fault of medical error. Normally a negligent episiotomy will lead to a third degree tear for one of two reasons:-
- Blunt scissors were used to perform the cut
- A midline episiotomy was performed, rather than a medio-lateral episiotomy
If a negligent episiotomy does contribute towards the development of a third degree tear, the standard of care provided will be considered unacceptable. Consequently the patient in question may be entitled to pursue a claim for an injury wrongfully sustained.
Claiming for a blunt scissors episiotomy
If you have developed a third degree tear because of a blunt scissors episiotomy, or a midline episiotomy, get in touch with us today to discuss your options. If we believe you have been injured because of negligent medical care, we can help you pursue a claim for compensation. This will allow you to obtain redress for the physical and emotional suffering you have experienced, and for the actual financial loss you have incurred.
To find out more about claiming for a negligent episiotomy, contact us today to speak to a medical negligence solicitor.
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