Perforated Bowel

A perforated bowel is a critical and life-threatening complication that can occur due to surgical errors or delayed diagnosis. This serious condition often leads to severe infections, including peritonitis or sepsis, and requires immediate medical intervention to prevent long-term damage or fatal outcomes. Patients trust their healthcare providers to perform procedures with the utmost care and precision. However, when these standards are compromised, the repercussions can be devastating, resulting in prolonged hospitalizations, additional surgeries, and lasting physical and emotional distress.

If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to a perforated bowel, a Prince George’s County perforated bowel lawyer can provide the guidance needed to determine if negligence was involved and pursue accountability against a negligent Gastroenterologist. The attorneys at Foran & Foran, P.A. understand the profound impact preventable injuries can have on patients and their families. We work diligently to investigate your case, review medical records, and consult with top medical experts to identify errors or lapses in care. We aim to help you recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and the immense pain and suffering caused by this avoidable harm. With a compassionate yet determined approach, we are dedicated to ensuring your voice is heard, and justice is served. Contact us today to take the first steps toward healing and holding negligent providers accountable.

A perforated bowel is a serious complication that can occur during various medical procedures, particularly colonoscopies. The condition involves a colon or intestinal wall tear, often caused by the tools or techniques used during a procedure. Diagnostic colonoscopies have a relatively low incidence of perforation, ranging from 0.016% to 0.2%, while therapeutic colonoscopies present a significantly higher risk, with rates reaching up to 5%. These injuries are commonly linked to advanced age, pre-existing medical conditions, or the complexity of the intervention.

The type of injury can vary based on the cause. For example, large anti-mesenteric tears often occur due to the endoscope shaft, while smaller perforations may result from the tip of the device or endoscopic interventions such as polypectomy. While most perforations occur during the procedure or within the first 24 hours, delayed perforations have been documented, sometimes surfacing days after the examination. If you or a loved one has suffered a perforated bowel due to medical negligence, a Prince George’s County perforated bowel lawyer can help you hold the responsible parties accountable.

Early detection of a perforated bowel is essential to prevent severe complications. Patients who have undergone a colonoscopy or similar procedure should remain vigilant for warning signs, which include:

• Severe abdominal pain — persistent or worsening pain in the abdomen, often accompanied by tenderness;
• Fever — a sudden spike in body temperature may indicate an infection caused by bowel perforation;
• Abdominal distension — swelling or bloating can result from leakage of bowel contents into the abdominal cavity;
• Nausea and vomiting — these symptoms often accompany other indicators of a perforated bowel; and
• Changes in bowel habits — unusual constipation, diarrhea, or bloody stools may signal a perforation.

Delayed perforations can present symptoms several days after the procedure, making it crucial for medical providers to educate patients on what to watch for. Failure to promptly diagnose and treat a perforated bowel can lead to severe infections like sepsis, prolonged hospitalization, or even death. Consulting a Prince George’s County perforated bowel attorney can help you understand your legal rights if you or a loved one experienced harm from a delayed or missed diagnosis.

When a perforated bowel results from medical negligence, victims are entitled to pursue compensation for the harm caused. Several types of damages may apply:

• Medical expenses — compensation for hospital stays, corrective surgeries, diagnostic tests, and ongoing care resulting from the injury;
• Lost wages — this is reimbursement for income lost during recovery and diminished earning capacity if the injury results in long-term impairment;
• Pain and suffering — monetary compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the injury; and
• Wrongful death damages — if a perforated bowel leads to a loved one’s death, families may seek damages for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other related losses.

Pursuing these damages can help victims and their families recover from the financial and emotional toll of a preventable medical error. A skilled Prince George’s County perforated bowel lawyer can assess your case and advocate for maximum compensation.

Determining liability for a perforated bowel depends on the circumstances surrounding the injury. Commonly responsible parties include:

• Endoscopists or surgeons. Medical professionals performing the procedure may be liable for errors such as improper technique or failure to recognize and address complications during the procedure.
• Nurses or supporting staff. Negligence in patient preparation, monitoring, or postoperative care can contribute to harm.
• Medical facilities. Hospitals or ambulatory centers may be held accountable for inadequate training, poor sterilization practices, or failure to maintain equipment.

Identifying the at-fault parties is critical for building a strong claim. With the help of experienced attorneys, you can ensure that those responsible for your injury are held accountable.

A perforated bowel caused by surgical errors or delayed diagnoses can lead to severe complications, including infection, sepsis, or additional surgeries. At Foran & Foran, we work diligently to hold negligent healthcare providers accountable, ensuring our clients recover the compensation the deserve for their injuries, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. To schedule a free consultation with one of our medical malpractice lawyers in Prince George's County, give us a call at (301) 441-2022. We proudly represent clients in Hyattsville, Bowie, Upper Marlboro, Waldorf, La Plata, Silver Spring, Rockville, and the surrounding areas.