Gallstone compensation claims

Gallstones are small stones that form in the gallbladder. While gallstones can generally be harmless, and do not always need to be treated, they can become trapped in a duct inside the gallbladder which can lead to serious abdominal pain.

Gallstones can be a serious medical emergency and in the worst case scenario, if not dealt with, can be fatal. As such, it’s important that gallstones are identified and dealt with when the need arises for the sake of the patient’s health and well-being. A failure by medical professionals to deal with gallstones, or where routine surgery to resolve the problems goes wrong, is where a patient may have a gallstone medical negligence compensation claim.

Problems removing gallstones

One way in which gallstones are removed is through surgery. As with any surgery, there can be complications.

There have been cases where gallstone surgery has led to complications which has caused bile to leak, and punctures in the bowels from surgery can occur. These problems can be extremely painful and distressing for the patient which can lead to further complications, especially if they’re not dealt with there and then.

Patients can suffer further abdominal pain and sickness and have to undergo further surgery to try and rectify the issues. There have also been known cases of liver and heart failure which has led to permanent damage as well. Importantly, if an issue arises, medical professionals should deal with it there and then. If they don’t, that can amount to negligence.

In some cases, negligent gallstone surgery can lead to sepsis (AKA blood poisoning) which can result in death if untreated.

Can I claim?

If you have gallstones and have been treated negligently for them, you may be able to claim. whether there has been a failure to diagnose and deal with the problem, or a problem from the surgery, you may have a case to answer for. If the problems that are caused by a failure to diagnose and treat cause complications, you may have a case. Similarly, any surgical problems or any failures to deal with inherent risk of surgery may also give rise to being able to claim for medical negligence compensation.