Claiming For Bowel Perforation

There are several ways in which a bowel perforation may lead to a medical negligence claim. We will look at each of these in turn, helping you to understand whether or not you have been the victim of medical negligence.

Bowel Perforation and Medical Negligence

Over the past 25 years, we have helped many individuals make a medical negligence claim for a perforated (or ruptured) bowel. While such claims can arise for any number of reasons, they are usually caused in one of two ways:-

1. Surgical error

The perforation of the bowel is a known risk of many surgical procedures. Therefore a rupture caused during surgery is not always in itself a case of medical negligence. However, you may have grounds for a claim if the surgery was performed to a substandard level, meaning the surgeon and his team did not display the necessary skills and expertise. For example, if a surgeon uses an inadequate technique which then leads to a rupture, he/she will have provided an unacceptable level of care.

Additionally, if a bowel is accidentally ruptured during a surgical procedure, it is essential that is it recognised and repaired immediately. Otherwise a patient will be left with an undiagnosed perforation; not only will this pose a serious risk to their health, but further surgery will be required to mend the damage. Thus there is some cross-over here with a failure to diagnose, which is explored in more detail below.

2. Failure to diagnose

A perforated bowel should be treated as a medical emergency. This is because a hole in your intestines will allow food and faeces to pass through into your abdominal cavity, causing a life-threating infection called peritonitis.

It is therefore vital that a perforated bowel is diagnosed as quickly as possible. If it has occurred during an operation, it must be identified straight away. Alternatively, if a patient presents with a perforated bowel, medical professionals should quickly recognise the tell-tale signs. These include symptoms such as pain and swelling in the abdomen, fever, nausea and a change in bowel movements. Tests should then be carried to confirm whether or not the bowel has indeed ruptured. If it has, urgent surgery should be performed to repair the damage.

How Do You Know If You Have A Claim?

If you have experienced a perforated bowel which you believe was caused by an act of medical negligence, you need to speak to a legal expert. A medical negligence solicitor specialises in this area of law, and will investigate the details of your case before suggesting whether or not you have a claim. If you are able to pursue legal action, your solicitor will guide you through the process, helping you to obtain the compensation to which you are rightfully entitled.

Seek Early Legal Advice

While there are a few exceptions, most medical negligence claims must be settled within three years of the incident. Therefore you must not delay in seeking early legal advice; otherwise you may run out of time.

Can We Help You With A Medical Negligence Enquiry?

Early legal assistance can be vital so please contact us if you would like to discuss your situation. Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.

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