Incorrect repair of third degree tear following childbirth
Mrs X was admitted into hospital for the birth of her second child in July 2005. The labour was difficult and there were problems with delivery of the baby.
After using manipulation and pressure the baby was successfully delivered without any injuries, however this resulted in Mrs X suffering from a third degree perineal tear.
Once the tear was identified the Consultant Obstetrician was called into the delivery room. He then decided to carry out a repair to the tear then and there. Apart from the epidural that Mrs X had been given some hours previously she had no muscle relaxant or pain relief. There were no additional theatre lights brought into the room and her surroundings were not adequately cleaned following the birth of her child.
The consultant failed to repair the tear appropriately and Mrs X was left with significant bowel problems.
Although there was no admission of liability in this case we were able to obtain a settlement sum of £140,000 for Mrs X.