Claiming Compensation for a Negligent Ruptured Bowel
A ruptured bowel can be life-threatening. If the bowel wall tears, allowing bacterial faecal matter to pass into the abdomen, infection can arise and the patient can become extremely unwell. If such a rupture or perforation is due to negligence, it might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Negligent causes of a ruptured bowel
The bowel consists of the small and large intestine, including the rectum. A negligent rupture of some part of the bowel may be caused directly by a poorly performed procedure or indirectly by failure to diagnose and treat an underlying condition which leads to a rupture.
- Negligent procedures which could allow the bowel to be ruptured might include a colonoscopy or ERCP, a gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy), a hysterectomy, a caesarean section. If the techniques used, or the level of care employed lead to a perforation of the bowel, the relevant medical professional may be regarded as having acted negligently.
- Diagnosis or treatment failures which might allow a perforation or rupturing of the bowel to occur could include a failure to diagnose appendicitis and a failure to treat Crohn's disease or diverticulitis. If the patient has presented with significant symptoms which could have led to an earlier diagnosis but their medical practitioners failed to make the relevant referrals, they may be regarded as having provided substandard care. A compensation claim might be an appropriate way forward.
Impact of a ruptured bowel
The long-term effects of a ruptured bowel can be life-changing. It is a medical emergency which may require the patient to remain in hospital for an extended period of time.
- They may develop peritonitis if the lining of the abdomen becomes infected
- They may subsequently develop sepsis, a not uncommon response of the body's immune system to a peritoneal infection
- They will require surgery which may involve a colostomy on either a temporary or permanent basis
- Their major organs may struggle to function and cause long-term dysfunction
- They may die.
If the patient survives, they may suffer on-going symptoms of fatigue, anxiety, sleep difficulties and a range of other debilitating conditions.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are struggling with everyday tasks following a negligent bowel rupture, contact Glynns Solicitors to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
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 complete our Online Enquiry Form.
Make An Enquiry
Why Choose Us
- Specialist medical negligence solicitors
- Free initial enquiries
- No win, no fee available
Reviews
"I would like to say a big thank you to you for making this whole process easy and relatively painless. You kept me informed throughout and you were always polite and courteous in all forms of communication. I would not hesitate to recommend you to friends and family, so a really big thank you and I wish you all the best in the future."
Mr A.
Our Expertise
Helping Clients Across England & Wales
Free Medical Negligence Guide
'7 Questions You Must Ask Before Choosing A Medical Negligence Solicitor'