We understand that the impact of vaginal tears can be devastating, and that you have likely suffered severe pain and discomfort as a result. We work regularly with people who have sustained serious injuries as a result of medical negligence during childbirth and we are dedicated to providing expert support, advice and care to make your life easier.

The highly reputable clinical negligence team includes Helen Dolan, Lesley Herbertson and Gill Edwards, who have more than 60 years’ experience between them and who are all featured in the prestigious Legal 500 and Chambers guides.

The team offers a highly personal service, working to give their clients a voice when things have gone wrong and is dedicated to improving standards in healthcare.

Testimonials

“Helen Dolan was very efficient and courteous and, in many areas exceeded, our expectations. All members of staff were very approachable and helped to make a very difficult situation more bearable.”

Mrs H, Birmingham

“I am delighted with the level of support I have received. In particular, Lesley's explanation of the Part 36 process and achievement of early settlement through informed recommendations. This experience is just what you need when you are left vulnerable.”

Ms Turner, Manchester

“Friendly, understanding, clear and accommodating. Took the time to explain for decisions and legal processes. Exactly the right balance of direction and recommendation. Very personable service, can't fault the service. From receptionists to solicitors to specialist help.”

Mrs B, Turton

“Just want to say thank you very much for all you have done Lesley. ‎ Not only have you done a very goodt your supporto my wife and me has been outstanding and it's not all been about our son. I was very impressed with the way you pushed that little bit further. ‎I thought you were a great team.

We are very pleased with and I like the way you for granted always looking at detail. Look forward to working with you on the stages ahead.”

Mr W, Cheshire

Read more testimonials from our clients here.

To speak to a member of our specialist team about your injury, call us on 0800 027 2557 and you will be able to speak to one of our senior solicitors who will spend time going through the legal process with you.

You can also arrange for us to get in touch with you by completing the online contact form on the side of this page or on our contact page. If you have someone specific in mind that you would like to speak to, visit their profile on our people page.

What is a vaginal tear/anal sphincter?

There is usually no way to predict that an expectant mother will sustain a tear during childbirth, and they are a risk. However, some tears are more severe because of sub-standard treatment and some are either or not repaired properly which can lead to long term problems.

Following childbirth, obstetricians and midwives should check for tears and other injuries and on relevant treatment.

Vaginal tears can vary in severity, ranging from those affecting only the skin around the vagina, which typically heal within a matter of weeks, to more extensive tears that can take much longer and in some cases require surgery. Excessive pain following this type of injury may be a sign of an infection.

How can Potter Rees Dolan help?

Potter Rees Dolan’s clinical negligence team has earned a reputation as one of the very best in the UK. Boasting a combined experience in serious injury law of over 60 years and comprehensive medical insight, the team has an unwavering dedication to helping families recover the compensation they deserve.

About Helen Dolan, head of the department, Chambers 2019 noted that she “regularly handles complex claims”, while highlighting a quote from a client praising “her attention to detail and knowledge of the case, inside and out”.

The same publication said Lesley Herbertson “is very good on the complex details of the case and is able to translate this to clients”.

Meanwhile, Gill Edwards is described as being "incredibly good with clients - they really warm to her", and garnered praise from a client, who said: "She is very good on the medical details."

Additionally, our entire clinical negligence department as a whole received a recommendation from Chambers 2019, which described them as “a well-regarded team with an impressive caseload of complex clinical negligence work”.

Our clients regularly tell us that it is the empathy and care with which we act that sets us apart from other law firms. We specialise in serious and catastrophic injuries, so we know how difficult it can be to live with severe disability. It is our aim, therefore, to make the claims process as stress-free for you and your family as we can.

Funding

In most cases, clinical negligence cases are funded on the basis of a “no win, no fee” agreement, also known as a Conditional Fee Agreement. This means we can look into your potential claim and investigate whether you will have to pay any costs if the case is not successful. We will discuss how a Conditional Fee Agreement works at our first meeting.

You might already have the benefit of a legal expense insurance policy, and we will always start by looking into whether you can use the same policy before considering whether a Conditional Fee Agreement is more appropriate.