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Medical Negligence



Perforated Bowels And Medical Negligence Compensation

If you have suffered a perforated bowel (sometimes called a ruptured bowel) during surgery under the NHS or privately, why did it happen, what are your rights, and can you claim compensation? Read on to find out more.

What Is A Perforated Bowel?

A perforated bowel is a medical emergency. A perforated bowel is a hole, nick or cut in the stomach, small intestine or large intestine. When the bowel ruptures in such a way the contents of the bowel itself will leak into the abdominal cavity. This may result in infection, sepsis (infection of the blood), septic shock, peritonitis, and organ damage. In severe cases a ruptured bowel can cause death. A ruptured bowel can also be referred to as: a perforated bowel or a torn bowel.

What Causes A Perforated Bowel?

In many cases a perforated or ruptured bowel is a result of a penetrate injury such as a stabbing or trauma following a car crash. However, a ruptured bowel can also occur as a result of a disease such as Crohns, appendicitis, an ulcer or cancer to name a few potential causes. Finally, a perforated bowel may result from surgical negligence. In the case of surgical negligence the bowel would accidentally have been damaging during an operation, such as being nicked with a scalpel.

In summary the main causes of a perforated bowel are:

  • A penetrative injury often from trauma during a car crash
  • A disease such as Crohns, appendicitis, an ulcer or cancer
  • A scalpel or other sharp injury during surgery to an area close to the bowel (such as a hernia repair or surgery to the gall bladder, kidney, pancreas etc)

If you are unsure why you have suffered a perforated bowel, we offer you a completely free, no obligation discussion with one of our specialist solicitors so that you can find out what caused your perforated bowel.

When Can A Perforated Bowel Lead To A Medical Negligence Claim?

However a perforated bowel comes about, it is absolutely vital that it is diagnosed rapidly; the consequences of a ruptured bowel can be both devastating and life changing for both the sufferer and their family. A quick diagnosis can be the difference between you making full recovery or you being subject long term symptoms, or even being victim to an unnecessary bereavement in your family.

As is apparent, this is not a matter to be taken lightly and we are serious about doing what we can for you, whatever your experience has entailed. Therefore there are a number of cases in which you will be able to make a successful medical negligence claim regarding a ruptured bowel. These are:

  • Surgical Negligence
  • Misdiagnosis
  • Failure To Diagnose
  • Delayed Diagnosis
  • Failure To Provide Appropriate Treatment




How We Can Help You

1stClaims will be able to analyse your situation and give you professional advice regarding your claim. If you are confused as to whether you have grounds for a medical negligence claim or would like to begin the claims process today call us on 0800 2888 693 (from a mobile click to call: 01348 630 720) for a completely free no obligation consultation. Alternatively complete our free online enquiry.

To return to our medical negligence home page click here.

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Remember, all initial enquiries are completely free of charge and the solicitor will investigate all funding options for you.


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