Vaginal Tears Solicitors

Tears are classified into four degrees:

• 1^st degree: Skin only – these usually heals naturally
• 2^nd degree: Skin + perineal muscle – These normally requires stitches
• 3^rd degree: Extends to the anal sphincter – they may cause bowel issues
• 4^th degree: Extends into the rectum – These can be life-altering.

 

You may have a claim if your vaginal or perineal tear was caused by medical negligence. Generally speaking claims arise when:

• The tear was not diagnosed or treated properly
• There was delayed or incorrect repair
• You were discharged without proper aftercare
• The injury caused incontinence, pain, or psychological trauma
• There was failure to consider risk factors (e.g. large baby, forceps, previous tears)

You must prove that the healthcare provider's substandard care directly caused your injury and that the tear could have been prevented or its severity lessened with proper care. Compensation can cover physical and psychological injuries, lost earnings, and future treatment costs.

This will vary case by case. These are often very complicated claims which can take several years to settle. However, following a consultation with one of our specialist solicitors, we may be able to give you a more detailed view and we will of course keep you updated throughout your claim. How does the claims process work? The process for bringing a dental negligence claim is as follows:

1. Initial Assessment

When you contact us at Lime, we will interview you and take full details of your potential claim. The specialist solicitor will consider the nature and severity of the alleged negligence, the amount of harm or loss suffered and whether the claim falls within the legal time limits. If we are happy, that the claim holds good prospects of success, we will agree to act for you.

2. Gathering Evidence

Your solicitor will request your medical records from your GP and any relevant hospitals. These records help establish a timeline and potentially identify any breaches in duty of care. We will ensure that all of your records and scans are sorted and paginated ready for us to instruct an expert witness.

3. Expert Review

Independent experts will be instructed to assess whether the care fell below acceptable standards (known as breach of duty).

4. Letter of Claim

If expert evidence supports your case, your solicitor will draft and send a Letter of Claim to the Defendant. This outlines the allegations of negligence. The defendant has four months to respond, either admitting or denying liability.

5. Negotiation

If liability is admitted, your solicitor will help negotiate a settlement.

6. Court Proceedings (if necessary)

If liability is denied, your solicitor may issue court proceedings. Most cases settle before trial, but your solicitor will guide you through the process if it proceeds to court.

We’re a team of experienced experts who have been handling these types of claims for decades, and we understand the emotional and financial impact they can have on people and their families. We’re highly ranked in both Chambers and the Legal 500, across multiple regions in the UK. We also have ex-medical experts within the team who are well-versed in the vaginal tear claim process.