Bowel Perforation and When to Make a Claim for Compensation
Perforation or rupture of the lining of the bowel can be life-threatening. If it is the result of negligent medical care, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
The threat of a perforated bowel
If a perforation of the bowel takes place, it means that the content of the bowel may be able to seep into the abdominal cavity. This can cause an infection of the peritoneum or lining of the abdomen, itself triggering an episode of sepsis.
This sequence of events can occur with alarming speed, causing the patient considerable pain and discomfort and threatening them with multiple organ failure and even death in the most severe of cases.
Where the patient survives, recovery can be slow and the long-term impact can be significant, affecting the patient's ability to work and their quality of life. The patient may struggle with permanent problems, both physical and psychological, and may require care.
Clinical negligence and bowel perforation
If you suspect that your poor outcome has been affected by negligent medical care, you should speak to a specialist solicitor who will obtain copies of your medical records and analyse the quality of your care.
It may be that you have suffered from an act of negligence and that a successful claim will help to alleviate your difficulties.
A bowel perforation may be the result of a variety of circumstances. It may, for example, be due to negligence during a surgical procedure, where the lining of the bowel has been accidentally damaged. Abdominal surgery or a procedure such as a colonoscopy may be susceptible to such an occurrence.
A failure to diagnose or a delay in treating a significant bowel condition may also be significant in allowing time for a deterioration in the patient's condition to lead to a perforation of the bowel.
Making a claim
If you are considering making a claim, speak with a specialist medical negligence solicitor to get the best advice. They will be able to analyse the quality of your medical care and assess whether or not you appear to have been the victim of negligence.
Glynns Solicitors is a specialist medical negligence legal practice with a team of experienced lawyers and a history of success in high value claims with many grateful clients.
If you are thinking of making a claim, contact us today to speak with a solicitor, free of charge.
Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 or complete our Online Enquiry Form.