A third degree tear can become infected, causing the wound to breakdown. Therefore if you think you have an infection, you must seek medical help straight away.
Third degree tear infection
If you have suffered a third degree tear, there is a risk that it will become infected. Medical practitioners should tell you how best to minimise the risk of infection. This will include keeping the wound clean and getting oxygen to the area. You should also be prescribed a course of antibiotics to take. All of these measures will help to prevent an infection occurring.
Nevertheless, it may be that a third degree tear becomes infected in any event. When this happens, the wound will smell and may also weep. If the infection is not treated in time, it can cause the sutures to breakdown, adversely affecting your recovery process. This means it is essential to watch out for infection and seek immediate medical help if you think something is wrong.
Third degree infection and medical negligence
It is very unfortunate when a third degree tear becomes infected but it cannot always be prevented. However, in some cases the fault will lie with medical professionals.
For example, if a patient with a third degree tear is not prescribed antibiotics, causing her to develop an infection, the level of care will be deemed substandard. Similarly, if a patient seeks help for what she believes to be an infection but clinicians take no action, the level of care will be deemed substandard.
If these medical errors cause a patient to suffer harm – for instance, the wound breaks down and complications occur – there will be grounds for a medical negligence claim.
Clinical negligence solicitors Bristol
If you have suffered complications because of an infected third degree tear, please get in touch with us to discuss your options. We will advise whether or not you have been the innocent victim of medical error and whether you could be entitled to pursue a claim for compensation.
If we believe there is a case to be answered, will we begin the legal process on your behalf, handling the claim from start to finish. Should your claim be successful, you will be awarded a sum of compensation which is intended to reflect the pain, suffering and financial loss you have wrongfully incurred.
To talk to a specialist clinical negligence solicitor, contact us today.