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In order for the human body to process and utilize the fat found in food, the liver must produce bile and the gall bladder is responsible for storing excess bile for future use. It is not uncommon for unused bile to form crystals known as gall stones and these stones can cause blockages or extreme pain when being passed through a person’s system. If gall stones form on a regular basis or the size of the stones being formed poses a threat to the well-being of the patient, a cholecystectomy is performed to remove the gall bladder. While the procedure is common and considered to be safe, inexperienced surgeons have a higher incident rate and may cut and fail to repair the bile duct, resulting in malpractice.
Common Injuries Caused by Harm to the Bile Duct
The most common injury to the bile duct occurs when the surgeon mistakes the bile duct, which brings bile into the intestines for the cystic duct, which connects the liver to the gall bladder. Because bile is required to break down fat, we are unable to live without it. Complications that can arise due to injuries sustained during the removal of a gall bladder include the following.
- Infection of the abdomen caused by leaking bile filling the abdominal cavity.
- Inflammation of the bile duct and surrounding tissue.
- Pancreatitis, which is an infection of the pancreas— the organ responsible for producing and releasing insulin into the blood so that the body can process sugar.
- Internal bleeding caused by injury to the bile duct that is left untreated by the attending doctor, which can cause infections or death if the patient loses too much blood.
If it is determined that any of these complications are the result of medical malpractice or negligence on part of the attending doctor, you may be able to file a malpractice lawsuit in order to seek damages. Because of the difficulty in proving medical malpractice, it is important that your attorney is qualified and experienced in malpractice law.
Negligence on the Part of Attending Physicians
The incident rate is substantially higher when the surgeon has not had extensive experience and it is not uncommon for another surgeon to be present to correct and repair the damage caused by any errors. When the more experienced of the surgeons is able to notice the problem and intervene, there is a much lower rate of complication. Failure to notice or correct an injury during the procedure threatens the patient’s life, may require additional surgery to repair the damage and is grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit.
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is the leading law firm in Illinois for representing clients injured due to medical malpractice and has been able to win cases due to our access to experts in the medical field who are able to provide compelling testimony to support our clients’ claims. Not only do bile duct injuries only pose a threat to your life, but the additional medical procedures required to save your life because of a doctor’s error are expensive and you should not need to foot the bill because your surgeon did not take the necessary precautions required to make sure that your internal organs were not damaged. If you have been injured during a medical procedure, it is important that you speak with an attorney so that you are fully informed about your rights and whether you have a case.
Contact the medical negligence attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation with a lawyer who will evaluate the details of your case and let you know how best to proceed. We are dedicated to defending the rights of our clients and will never ask for payment unless we win or settle your case.
