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Kentucky Failure to Diagnose a Bowel Leak Lawyers
Legal help when a Kentucky doctor fails to diagnose a bowel leak
Undergoing surgery or treatment for a medical condition should lead to healing, not further harm. But when a bowel leak is missed or left undiagnosed, it can lead to severe, life-threatening complications. At Crandall & Pera Law, we understand how devastating this type of medical error can be. If you or a loved one has suffered because a doctor failed to diagnose a bowel leak in Kentucky, you have legal options.
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Table of Contents
- What is a bowel leak?
- What are the common causes of bowel leaks?
- What happens when a bowel leak goes undiagnosed in Kentucky?
- What are the dangers of sepsis and shock with a bowel leak?
- How can medical malpractice lead to a bowel leak in Kentucky?
- Do I have a Kentucky medical malpractice case?
- What is the value of my bowel leak case in Kentucky?
- Why choose our Kentucky bowel leak attorneys?
What is a bowel leak?
A bowel leak happens when there is a tear, hole, or improper connection in the intestines, which allows contents to spill where they shouldn’t. This condition is also referred to as an anastomotic leak if it occurs after surgery.
The Cleveland Clinic describes anastomotic leaks as follows:
It occurs when the two ends of a channel that have been connected together don’t seal completely, and contents from the inside leak out. It’s serious because the channels in our bodies are designed to carry substances that don’t belong in other parts. For example, digestive contents in your gastrointestinal tract contain bacteria that can infect the abdominal cavity if they leak out.
When bowel contents leak into your abdominal cavity, they can cause infection and inflammation of the peritoneum, the tissue that lines your abdominal cavity (peritonitis). Infection in your abdomen can spread to other abdominal organs and can enter your bloodstream. Serious infection can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening physical reaction that can include shock, organ failure or death.
What are the common causes of bowel leaks?
Bowel leaks can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Errors during bowel surgery, like improper stitching or undetected perforations, can lead to leaks.
- Inflamed or infected pouches in the intestines (diverticulitis) can rupture, causing leaks.
- Conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis weaken the bowel wall, making leaks more likely to happen.
- Physical trauma, like a car accident or sports injury, can cause damage to the intestines.
- Cancerous tumors and treatments like radiation can weaken bowel tissue, increasing the risk of leaks.
Remember, a bowel leak is a medical emergency, and it’s vital to get a prompt diagnosis and treatment.
What happens when a bowel leak goes undiagnosed in Kentucky?
The consequences can be catastrophic when a doctor fails to diagnose a bowel leak. This is because the leaking intestinal contents can introduce bacteria into the abdominal cavity, which can lead to infection, sepsis, and organ failure.
Symptoms of a bowel leak include:
- Pain that worsens instead of improving after surgery or sudden, sharp pain.
- Fever and chills, which are signs of infection.
- A rapid heart rate or low blood pressure, which are indicators of sepsis, a life-threatening condition.
- Persistent nausea or vomiting that won’t stop.
- Unusual swelling or bloating or a firm, painful abdomen.
- Unexplained weakness or confusion, a sign that the infection is spreading through the body.
Doctors and other medical professionals should recognize these symptoms and act quickly. If they dismiss a patient’s concerns or fail to conduct proper tests, they could be putting your life at risk.
What are the dangers of sepsis and shock with a bowel leak?
One of the most serious outcomes of an undiagnosed bowel leak is sepsis. When an infection spreads throughout the body, it can cause septic shock, which is a life-threatening condition.
Symptoms of sepsis include:
- A high fever or dangerously low body temperature
- Rapid breathing and heart rate
- Confusion or disorientation
- Severe fatigue or weakness
- Decreased urine output (which is a sign of kidney failure)
Sepsis requires immediate medical intervention, including IV antibiotics and, sometimes, emergency surgery. If a doctor’s delay in diagnosing a bowel leak caused sepsis, they must be held responsible. We can help.
How can medical malpractice lead to a bowel leak in Kentucky?
Doctors and hospitals have a duty of care to their patients. This means they have to take reasonable steps to diagnose and treat conditions promptly. When they fail, patients suffer – and that’s where medical malpractice comes into play.
Common medical errors that lead to a missed bowel leak diagnosis include:
- Failure to order imaging tests
- Misreading test results
- Ignoring patient complaints
- Premature discharge from the hospital
- Lack of post-operative care
If any of these mistakes – or another – contributed to your bowel injury, Crandall & Pera Law can help hold the responsible parties accountable.
Do I have a Kentucky medical malpractice case?
Not every medical mistake is medical malpractice. To have a valid legal claim, you must prove the following elements:
- A doctor-patient relationship existed, meaning the medical provider owed you a duty of care.
- The doctor was negligent and failed to meet the standard of care expected in their field.
- The negligence caused harm, meaning the missed diagnosis led to serious health complications.
- You suffered damages, including medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
At Crandall & Pera Law, our Kentucky medical malpractice attorneys work with medical experts to analyze your case and demonstrate that negligence occurred.
What is the value of my bowel leak case in Kentucky?
A missed bowel leak diagnosis can lead to lifelong health problems or even wrongful death. If medical negligence caused your suffering, you may be entitled to compensation for the following:
- Medical bills, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and your future medical care.
- Lost wages, if your condition prevented you from working or caused diminished earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering, which is compensation for your physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Wrongful death damages, if you lost a loved one due to a missed bowel leak diagnosis.
Remember, every case is different. However, our legal team fights for the maximum compensation possible.
Why choose our Kentucky bowel leak attorneys?
When you’re dealing with medical malpractice, experience matters. Crandall & Pera Law has a proven track record of handling complex medical negligence cases in Kentucky. We also work with top medical experts to analyze and prove malpractice. We offer personalized and compassionate service – you’re not just another case to us. Finally, there are no upfront costs to you. We only get paid if we reach a settlement or a verdict in your favor.
We understand that a missed bowel leak diagnosis can be life-altering. That’s why we’re so committed to helping you and your family get the justice you deserve.
Take action today – call our Kentucky failure to diagnose a bowel leak lawyers
If you or a loved one suffered because a doctor failed to diagnose a bowel leak, you don’t have to face this alone. At Crandall & Pera Law, we’re here to help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation. There’s no obligation, and we’re here to help you understand your legal options. Time is limited, so don’t wait – let’s fight for your future together. Please call our offices or fill out our contact form to schedule your consultation with a Kentucky failure-to-diagnose a bowel leak attorney. We have offices conveniently located in Lexington and Louisville.