Bile Duct Injury Claims in Missouri

Bile duct injuries can occur when a negligent surgeon accidentally cuts, burns, or pinches a patient’s bile duct during gallbladder surgery. This prevents the gallbladder from working correctly, and in many cases, produces leaking bile in the patient’s abdomen, or prevents the normal flow of normal bile from the liver. This injury can be painful, and at times prove to be fatal to the patient. If this has happened to you or a loved one after a botched surgical procedure, you might have a case. Contact the St. Louis bile duct injury lawyers at The Dixon Injury Firm today.

Call (314) 208-2808 to schedule your free case evaluation. We’re available 24/7 for all your St. Louis legal needs.

What Is a Bile Duct Injury?

According to the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, there are a total of 750,000 Laparoscopic Cholecystectomies, or gallbladder removals, performed every year. This surgery involves the surgeon making a small incision in the patient’s abdomen and inserting a small tube that will allow the surgeon to see the gallbladder on a screen, and then it is removed through another small incision. During this process, it is possible for the surgeon performing this surgery to accidentally nick or cut a bile duct. This can cause serious injuries to the patient. According to the Cleveland Clinic, bile duct injuries occur in 1 in 1,000 gallbladder removal surgeries.

A bile duct injury is an injury that happens during gallbladder surgery when a negligent surgeon harms a patient’s bile duct. If the bile duct is damaged, this can prevent the gallbladder from working correctly, and causes bile to leak into a patient’s abdomen. This injury is painful, and if it is left to worsen, it can prove to be fatal to a patient.

It is important that if you believe that you have sustained a bile duct injury after having gallbladder surgery to immediately seek additional medical attention and have the area inspected.

What Are Common Symptoms of a Bile Duct Injury?

If you have suffered a bile duct injury, the symptoms are often noticeable. Bile duct injuries from gallbladder removal produce symptoms such as:

  • Severe abdominal pain close to the site of the incision
  • Uncontrollable nausea and stomach sensitivity
  • Intense fits of vomiting
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes)
  • Swelling of the abdomen

If you or someone you love has experienced any or all of the symptoms listed above after having gallbladder removal surgery, it is crucial to contact a medical professional who can treat your symptoms and create a plan of treatment for your bile duct injuries from gallbladder removal. Bile duct injuries are often treatable with surgery, but in some cases where they are left untreated, they can prove to be fatal.

After seeking medical attention for your bile duct injuries, it is important to contact the bile duct injury attorneys at The Dixon Injury Firm for experienced legal counsel. It is important to seek legal help if it is found that you sustained bile duct injuries after gallbladder removal because a negligent surgeon has committed medical malpractice. You may be entitled to damages for your injuries that can help cover the costs of medical bills, loss of wages, or other expenses that have occurred due to the bile duct injuries.

What Do I Do If I Have a Bile Duct Claim?

As with all medical negligence claims, it is essential to prove that the negligent surgeon is at-fault for your bile duct injuries. A doctor-patient relationship must be proved, the bile duct injuries sustained must be proved in court as “more likely than not,” meaning that it is more likely than not that the negligent surgeon caused the bile duct injuries to the patient. It is essential to prove that the patient has suffered damages due to the harm of the surgeon—medical bills, permanent symptoms, loss of ability to work, and other evidence and documents related to such incidences can prove this. This can be a confusing and stressful process, especially after dealing with the pain of the bile duct injuries in the first place. A bile duct injury lawyer can help make this process easier.

How Can a St. Louis Bile Duct Injuries Lawyer Help?

If you or someone you care about has sustained bile duct injuries from gallbladder surgery performed by a negligent surgeon, Christopher R. Dixon can help. We have recovered more than $35,000,000.00 in damages for our clients, and we will fight just as hard for your case. The Dixon Injury Firm is committed to ensuring that your case will receive the absolute most in damages and recoveries for your bile duct injuries.