Gallbladder surgeries are much less invasive than years ago, but that doesn’t mean the risk of complications has disappeared.
Even routine procedures have associated risks.
However, known risks are different from preventable mistakes. When a medical provider makes a mistake that harms you as a patient, you could have the right to bring a malpractice claim.
Understandably, prospective clients want to know the potential value for gallbladder malpractice settlements.
If you suffered a complication after gallbladder surgery, speak with an experienced New Mexico malpractice lawyer.
At Poulos & Coates, LLP, we have years of experience with medical negligence, including a gallbladder surgery gone wrong.
We have a medical doctor and nurse on staff who can evaluate your case and help you determine the best course of legal action.
How Gallbladder Surgery Works
Most gallbladder removal procedures are done through laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery rather than open surgery.
Through this method, the surgeon uses a small incision to insert a tiny camera into your abdomen. This camera allows them to see your gallbladder and other organs without cutting anything.
Having the ability to see around your bile ducts is crucial because they are close together and have a lot of bacteria.
Accidentally cutting into a bile duct rather than a cystic duct could cause a leak that endangers your life.
Potential Complications in a Gallbladder Surgery
Cutting into the bile ducts is a common mistake, but it is far from the only one. Some of the other common gallbladder removal complications include:
- Gallbladder abscess,
- Sepsis,
- Septic shock,
- Perforation of the internal organs,
- Hemorrhaging,
- Necrosis,
- Small intestine injury,
- Exsanguination,
- Pancreatitis,
- Organ failure, or
- Death.
Having some minor short-term complications following gallbladder surgery can be expected.
You may expect issues like some stomach cramping and the inability to digest fatty foods. However, severe pain, nausea, and fever are not typical.
Proving Liability in Gallbladder Malpractice Settlements
If you believe medical negligence might play a role in your current injuries, it’s important to speak with an experienced New Mexico medical malpractice lawyer right away.
When you meet with Poulos & Coates, we will sit down with you and discuss the facts of your case. We will determine whether a medical error is responsible for your injuries.
Our goal is to help build the strongest case possible and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Determining liability in a malpractice case is more than just alleging a medical professional made a mistake.
You must determine who made a mistake and whether that mistake was preventable. There are multiple people involved in a gallbladder removal surgery.
Is the liable party the surgeon, or could it be the anesthesiologist, a nurse, the hospital, etc?
Contact a New Mexico Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Pursuing compensation for a gallbladder surgery gone wrong is complicated. You need a skilled legal advocate on your side who can protect your rights and build the strongest case possible.
With our expertise and medical professionals on staff, we are well-suited to help hold the responsible parties accountable for your injuries.
Contact Poulos & Coates today to schedule an initial consultation.
We offer free, no-obligation consultations, so you have nothing to lose by meeting with us to determine whether you have a claim for medical malpractice in New Mexico.