Underneath your liver is a pear-shaped organ called the gallbladder. This organ stores bile, which the liver uses to digest fat. Sometimes, people can experience issues with this organ that necessitates surgery, called a cholecystectomy. While people can live without their gallbladder, complications can arise from the procedure. If your surgeon makes a mistake during your surgery you may experience pain, develop an infection, or have other injuries that you’ll need further treatment to correct. Needing to go through another recovery process because of a surgeon’s negligence can be frustrating, especially when you’re thinking about medical bills and other expenses. You can seek legal options with a Midland gallbladder malpractice lawyer.
At Buckingham Barrera Vega Law Firm, our lawyers are experienced in representing victims who have been hurt in surgical procedures. When you need help holding the negligent health care provider accountable for their actions, our firm in Texas is here for you. We’ll fiercely advocate for your rights and for you to get the financial recovery you deserve.
When Is Gallbladder Surgery Necessary?
There are a few situations where you may need to have to have your gallbladder removed. When the organ starts to struggle with controlling bile, you may experience some health complications:
- Gallstones. Sometimes, the bile in the gallbladder will start to crystallize. Gallstones can block bile ducts and cause pain. If this happens, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases recommends you get medical attention as soon as possible.
- Gallbladder Inflammation. When the bile duct is repeatedly blocked it causes chronic cholecystitis. The gallbladder won’t be able to store and release bile as it did before the inflammation. Those with inflammation may experience cramping, pain in the upper right side or upper middle of their stomach. It can last for about half an hour.
- Gallbladder Pancreatitis. Gallstones can cause the pancreas to become inflamed. People who have acute pancreatitis may experience pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, and vomiting.
- Gallbladder Cancer. Symptoms of gallbladder cancer include pain, fever, nausea and vomiting, jaundice, abdominal lumps, and bloating. While difficult to detect in the early stages, there are treatment options: surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of those options.
To get rid of a gallbladder, you may undergo one of the following procedures:
- Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery. This less invasive operation takes about two hours to complete. During this surgery, the surgeon makes four small incisions on the patient’s abdomen Then, they insert narrow tubes in the incisions and use cameras and tools to see inside and separate the gallbladder. The gallbladder is removed, and the incisions are closed.
- Open Gallbladder Surgery. If laparoscopic surgery isn’t an option, then the patient may undergo open gallbladder surgery. After receiving anesthesia, the surgeon makes a large incision under the bottom of the right rib cage or breastbone to the patient’s bellybutton. They cut the cystic duct, separate the gallbladder from its surrounding organs, and remove it. They close the incision.
Your doctor should go over your procedure and explain the risks associated with it. If this has not happened and you were not able to give informed consent, you should get in touch with our gallbladder malpractice attorneys as soon as possible.
What Errors Can Occur During the Procedure?
Many people may be nervous about getting a medical procedure. However, they trust their surgeon and medical team to safely perform the procedure and then work on recovery. If any medical professional makes a mistake during your procedure, they could severely injure you. Let’s take a look at the issues that can happen during gallbladder surgery.
When undergoing surgery, there are certain factors that can lead to complications. If the surgeon is inexperienced, they may be more likely to make a mistake. However, even an experienced surgeon can act recklessly. Other medical professionals like those in the operating room or those in post-operative care could act negligently and cause harm. Because the patient’s medical history and current health can also affect how they do during surgery, the medical team should take precautions to make the patient as safe as possible for the procedure.
While you may experience some temporary complications after surgery, prolonged issues are not normal. If you’re experiencing the following symptoms, someone may have made an error during your surgery.
- Sharp pain in your abdominal area, stomach, and sometimes it can reach your right shoulder and back
- Bloating in the abdominal area
- Jaundice, which you can identify with yellowing skin or eyes
- Fever
- Nausea
These symptoms can indicate complications like:
- The surgeon punctured a bile duct, internal organs, or blood vessels
- Left tools or sponges inside the surgical site
You may also have had too much or too little anesthesia. When an anesthesia error occurs, the patient is at risk of having trouble waking up if they’re given too much or can wake up during surgery if they don’t have enough. Mistakes with anesthesia can be life-threatening. Our Midland lawyers are ready to represent you and hold the negligent party accountable for their reckless actions.
Common Losses and Damages Associated with Gallbladder Injuries
While you’re trying to work on recovering from your injuries, you may also be worrying about what the accident is costing you. Our gallbladder malpractice lawyers in Midland will stand by your side so you can receive full compensation for your losses. When your claim helps you recover financially, you can focus on healing physically and emotionally.
Your recovery from your gallbladder injuries may include a corrective surgery or medication to help with the pain and discomfort you’re feeling. If your doctor has not scheduled any post-operative appointments, this is cause for concern. Patients should have follow-up appointments so the doctor can evaluate how they’re adjusting after surgery.
The important fact to remember is your injuries were preventable and you deserve compensation if medical professionals caused harm that led to health complications. Our gallbladder malpractice lawyers in Midland will fight for you to recover:
- Financial losses including medical expenses, which include your future medical bills, lost wages, and other economic losses you’ve incurred.
- The pain and suffering you endured as a result of your injuries.
- Loss of enjoyment of life if your injuries prevented you from working, participating in hobbies and activities you enjoy, or other negative effects on your everyday life.
With our attorneys at your side, you’ll know we’ll carefully investigate what happened to you, who acted negligently, and what you’ve lost as a result of the accident. Our team in Texas will protect your rights and fight to maximize your compensation.
Buckingham Barrera Vega Law Firm Can Help You Recover
If you or a loved one was injured during gallbladder surgery, our firm is here for you. When a health care provider causes injuries because of negligence, we will hold them accountable for their actions. Our experienced lawyers will do everything to get you the compensation you deserve so you can recover in peace.
At Buckingham Barrera Vega Law Firm, we believe in standing up for those who were wrongfully injured and fighting to get them justice no matter what. While our firm is based in Midland, Texas and Albuquerque, New Mexico, our services are available to injured people across the U.S. Call a Midland gallbladder malpractice lawyer today to explore your legal options. If medical negligence caused your injuries, we’ll answer all your questions about your claim so you’re well informed and familiar with the process. We’ll help you find the best path to move forward.
