Negligence Claims

Gallbladder surgery is normally carried out as a result of gallstones or other health problems. Also known as a cholecystectomy, it is one of the most common operations performed on the NHS and is considered a fairly low-risk and ‘routine’ procedure.

However, gallbladder surgery is still a major operation, and if something goes wrong it can seriously and permanently damage your health. In the most serious cases, it can be fatal.

Jackson Lees has over 25 years of Medical Negligence experience, and can help you and your loved ones find out the truth behind your injuries. With cases such as this, you need a specialist to handle the case.

We have a team of specialists in the team including a former doctor, nurse and midwife. We can visit you in the comfort of your own home and out of hours if this is more convenient.

Our initial consultation is free of charge and we can take cases on under a conditional fee agreement, also known as ‘no win, no fee’.

To find out more call us on 0151 282 1700 or go to our online enquiry form.

Common Reasons for Gallbladder Surgery Mistakes

The anatomy of the gallbladder can vary with each patient. As such, although it can prove difficult for a surgeon to identify it during your procedure, whether they are performing open or keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery, it is still the case that appropriate care should be taken in what is a common procedure.

Complications that can arise include injuries to:

• The bile duct
• Major veins and arteries
• Other organs

While they occur rarely, bile duct injuries can in some cases be attributed to Medical Negligence, and often the problem is worsened if it is not identified and treated during or after surgery.

Medical Negligence cases concerning gallbladder surgery errors are often brought when it can be shown that the injury should have been picked up sooner, or possibly even avoided entirely.

Case Study

The Claimant, a 59 year old lady, had suffered from gallstones for many years. She had keyhole surgery to take out her Gallbladder. A few days after being discharged from hospital she was re-admitted with severe abdominal pain.

After scans had been taken, it was identified that the Claimant had a major bile duct injury. She was, by that point, suffering with a life-threatening infection. She remained in intensive care for three days and was in hospital for ten weeks. She needed further surgery and, having lost over three stones in weight, needed feeding through a tube.

After receipt of expert opinion we were able to argue that the surgeon carrying out the gallbladder operation had negligently identified the anatomy, and in doing so had caused the bile duct injury.

We argued that the Claimant suffered long-term consequences as a result of the negligence. She was unable to return to full-time employment as well as requiring on-going help with household tasks. She suffered far more extensive scarring than she would otherwise have had, and significant depression.

The case settled for £200,000.

Making a Claim

If you are looking to make a claim on behalf of you or a family member, Jackson Lees provide a personal, sensitive approach that will help to make the process as stress-free as possible.

Our aim is to help you do the right thing, in the right way, and this philosophy has seen our work recognised by Action Against Medical Accidents (AvMA) and the Law Society.

There are time limits for making a Medical Negligence claim so if you think you may have a case, make sure you don’t delay starting the process.

If you would like to find out more about our services and discuss your claim with us, call our Medical Negligence solicitors on 0151 282 1700, fill in the enquiry form.