South Texas Gallbladder Surgery Malpractice Lawyer

Were You or Your Loved One Injured During Gallbladder Surgery in South Texas?

Undergoing surgery is always a stressful experience, but when something goes wrong during a procedure, it can be devastating for patients and their families. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury during gallbladder removal surgery, it’s important to understand your legal rights and options. In many cases, the harm caused may result from medical malpractice, and you may be entitled to compensation.

Medical professionals have a duty to provide a reasonable standard of care to their patients, which means they must act with the same level of skill and care as a similarly qualified healthcare professional. Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional fails to provide adequate care or makes a mistake during a procedure. This can result in serious harm to the patient and is known as medical negligence.

Not All Bad Outcomes Are Considered Malpractice Under Texas Law

It’s important to note that not all bad outcomes are considered malpractice under Texas law. To prove malpractice, you must show that the healthcare professional breached the standard of care and that the breach caused your injury. This can be a challenging task, so it’s crucial to consult with a skilled malpractice attorney who can assess the facts of your case and help you determine if you have a viable medical malpractice claim.

You Need A Law Firm That Specializes In Medical Malpractice Cases

When it comes to a medical malpractice case, it’s important to work with a law firm with extensive experience in this area of law. Medical malpractice is complex and requires a deep understanding of medical procedures and the legal system. A firm that specializes in personal injury and malpractice cases will have the knowledge, resources, and network of experts necessary to build a strong case on your behalf.

The Purpose of the Gallbladder

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located in the upper right side of the abdomen. Its primary function is to store and concentrate bile, a digestive fluid the liver produces that helps break down fats in the small intestine. When you eat a fatty meal, the gallbladder contracts and releases bile into the small intestine to aid digestion.

Why Do People Need Gallbladder Surgery?

Gallbladder surgery, also known as a cholecystectomy, is a common surgical procedure performed to remove the gallbladder. There are several reasons why someone may need gallbladder surgery, including:

• Gallstones: Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can form in the gallbladder. These stones can cause severe pain, inflammation, and infection and may need to be surgically removed.
• Biliary dyskinesia: This is a condition in which the gallbladder doesn’t contract properly, which can cause pain and other symptoms.
• Gallbladder cancer: While rare, gallbladder cancer can sometimes necessitate the removal of the gallbladder.

Surgery Due to Gallstones

Gallstones are a common reason for gallbladder surgery. These small, pebble-like deposits can form in the gallbladder when there is an imbalance of the substances that make up bile. Risk factors for developing gallstones include obesity, a high-fat diet, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes and liver disease.

Surgery may be necessary when gallstones cause symptoms such as pain, inflammation, or infection. In most cases, this can be done through a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure, which involves making several small incisions in the abdomen and using a small camera to guide the surgeon’s tools. In some cases, open surgery may be necessary if there are complications or the gallbladder is too large to be removed laparoscopically.

Gallbladder Surgery Process

The gallbladder surgery process usually begins with a consultation with a surgeon, during which the patient will discuss their medical history, any medications they are taking, and the risks and benefits of the procedure. The patient may need to undergo certain tests or imaging studies to evaluate the condition of their gallbladder and ensure that surgery is appropriate.

On the day of the procedure, the patient will typically receive general anesthesia to ensure they are comfortable and sedated throughout the surgery. The surgeon will make several small incisions in the abdomen and insert a small camera and surgical instruments to remove the gallbladder. Once the gallbladder is removed, the incisions will be closed with stitches or surgical tape, and the patient will be moved to a recovery room to be monitored.

Most patients are able to go home the same day or the day after the procedure and can return to their normal activities within a few days to a week, depending on the type of surgery and their overall health.

Gallbladder Surgery and The Common Bile Duct

During gallbladder surgery, the surgeon must identify and protect the common bile duct and the common cystic duct, two essential structures connecting the gallbladder to the liver and the small intestine. The common bile duct carries bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine, while the common cystic duct connects the gallbladder to the common bile duct.

If the surgeon accidentally cuts the wrong bile duct during the surgical procedure, it can cause serious gallbladder surgery complications, including infection, inflammation, and even organ failure. In some cases, botched gallbladder surgery can lead to a malpractice claim if it can be shown that the surgeon’s negligence caused harm to the patient.

Potential Complications During a Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy That Can Lead to a Malpractice Claim

While laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is generally considered safe, there are potential complications that can arise while having the patient’s gallbladder removed that may give rise to a malpractice claim. These may include:

• Infection: Any laparoscopic surgery carries a risk of infection, which can be particularly dangerous if it spreads to other parts of the body.
• Bleeding: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery involves cutting and cauterizing tissue, which can lead to bleeding. Excessive bleeding can be life-threatening and may require additional surgery to address.
• Bile leakage: If the surgeon accidentally cuts the bile duct or damages the liver, bile can leak into the abdomen, causing infection and other complications.
• Bile Duct Injury: Bile duct injuries or common cystic duct injuries can lead to serious complications, including infection and organ failure.
• Injury to intestine or bowel: During the surgery, the surgeon may accidentally puncture the intestine or bowel, which can cause serious infection and require additional surgery.
• Deep vein thrombosis: Any surgery carries a risk of blood clots, which can be particularly dangerous if they travel to the lungs or heart.
• Risks of anesthesia: General anesthesia carries certain risks, including allergic reactions and complications such as heart attack or stroke.

How Doctors Can Prevent Injury Before Performing Gallbladder Surgery

Many surgeons now perform an intraoperative cholangiogram to minimize the risk of injury during gallbladder surgery. This particular X-ray allows them to visualize the bile ducts and confirm that they are intact, identifying any potential issues before they become serious. The cholangiogram can help surgeons prevent accidentally cutting the wrong duct during the procedure.

It’s important to note that not all surgeons perform intraoperative cholangiograms, and in some cases, failure to do so may be considered a breach of the standard of care. If you believe that your surgeon failed to take appropriate steps to prevent injury during your surgery, consult a skilled gallbladder malpractice lawyer who can assess the facts of your case and help you determine if you have a viable claim.

What to Do If You Believe Your Gallbladder Surgeon Was Negligent

If you believe that your gallbladder surgeon was negligent and that their actions caused harm to you or a loved one, it’s essential to take action as soon as possible. Medical malpractice claims are subject to strict deadlines, known as the statute of limitations, which vary depending on the state and the type of claim. In Texas, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice is generally two years from the date of the injury or the date that the injury was discovered or should have been discovered through reasonable diligence.

If you believe you have a viable claim, it’s important to consult with a skilled malpractice attorney who can help you understand your legal rights. Don’t let the statute of limitations run out! A knowledgeable attorney can help you fight for your rights and navigate the legal process. 

Gallbladder Malpractice Claims in South Texas and What to Expect

In South Texas, medical malpractice claims must meet certain legal requirements to be successful. To prove malpractice, you must show that the healthcare professional breached the standard of care and that the breach caused your injury. You must also provide expert testimony from a qualified healthcare professional who can testify to the standard of care and how the defendant’s actions deviated from that standard.

Most malpractice claims can be complex and time-consuming. Still, with the help of a skilled medical malpractice lawyer, you can navigate the legal system and pursue the compensation you deserve. Your attorney will gather evidence, review your medical records, obtain expert opinions, and negotiate with insurance companies to achieve a fair settlement. If a settlement cannot be reached, they can represent you in court and advocate for your rights.

Hire a South Texas Gallbladder Surgery Attorney and Get the Compensation You Deserve

If you or a loved one has suffered harm during gallbladder surgery, it’s important to seek assistance from a skilled malpractice attorney. The Snapka Law Firm has extensive experience representing clients in medical malpractice cases, and we are committed to providing compassionate, personalized legal representation to each and every one of our clients.

We offer a free case evaluation to help you understand your legal options and determine if you have a viable claim. We also work on a contingency fee basis, which means that we do not charge any upfront fees and only receive payment if we secure a gallbladder malpractice settlement or a verdict on your behalf. Contact our medical malpractice lawyers today to learn more about how we can help you seek justice, get the compensation you deserve, and hold negligent healthcare professionals accountable.