Procedure Failures That Lead to Bowel Injuries
In my years of advocating for injury victims, I’ve seen the profound impact that medical errors can have on patients and their families. Among the severe I’ve encountered are bowel injuries, which can occur when a medical procedure goes wrong.
Bowel injuries, including perforations, are often the result of procedural failures by healthcare providers or larger medical facilities. Understanding how these injuries occur and how a New Orleans personal injury lawyer can achieve justice is key for those affected.
How Bowel Injuries Happen
Bowel injuries can occur during various medical procedures, especially those involving the abdomen. Common causes include:
- Surgical mistakes. During abdominal surgeries, such as those for gallbladder removal, appendectomies, or hernia repairs, a surgeon may accidentally perforate or nick the intestines. Even the slightest mistake with a scalpel or surgical tool can lead to a perforation, causing the contents of the bowel to leak into the abdominal cavity. This can result in severe infections like peritonitis, which can be life-threatening.
- Endoscopic procedures. Colonoscopies or other endoscopic examinations involve the insertion of instruments into the gastrointestinal tract. If not done with precision, these instruments can cause tears or perforations in the bowel. The risks increase if the equipment is outdated, poorly maintained, or handled by inadequately trained staff.
- Delayed diagnosis. Bowel injuries can also stem from diagnostic failures. For example, if a bowel perforation occurs during a procedure but is not promptly recognized and treated, the patient can suffer from severe complications.
- Inadequate postoperative care. Even when the surgery or procedure itself goes well, insufficient postoperative care can lead to bowel injuries. If a patient shows signs of complications, such as severe abdominal pain, fever, or changes in bowel movements, and the medical staff fails to investigate these symptoms thoroughly, a treatable condition can worsen.
If you or a loved one has suffered a bowel injury, connect with legal guidance.
What I Can Do to Help
The first step in any medical malpractice case is an investigation. I will work with medical experts to review your medical records, procedure notes, and any other relevant documentation. Next, I will work to establish liability. My goal is to establish clear liability by demonstrating how the standard of care was breached.
Extensive medical treatment, including additional surgeries, long hospital stays, and ongoing care could be required in the wake of a bowel injury. I will fight to ensure you receive compensation for these medical expenses, as well as for pain and suffering, lost wages, and any other damages resulting from the injury.
As your attorney, I am committed to holding those responsible accountable for their actions. Let’s talk about how having a seasoned New Orleans personal injury lawyer on your side means you can access compensation you need.
Is the emotional and financial toll of a bowel injury upsetting your life? If you’ve been the victim of a medical error in New Orleans, Metairie, or Gretna, reach out to the lawyers at Palazzo Law Firm. Together, we can pursue the justice you deserve. Call 504-433-1442 for a confidential consultation.
