Bile Duct Injury Lawyer in Washington, D.C.
The Law Offices of Dr. Michael M. Wilson MD, JD & Associates provides diligent representation to injured clients. If you have suffered a bile duct injury, we can guide you through the legal process as you seek compensation. Our Washington, D.C. bile duct injury lawyers are also physicians.
If you or a loved one have been injured due to the negligence of a health care provider, we can use our legal and medical experience to help you pursue a financial settlement. We are just a phone call or contact form away. Contact our Washington, D.C. medical malpractice lawyer today for a free initial consultation.
Contents
- What Should I Know About Bile Duct Injuries?
- Symptoms of Common Injuries to the Bile Duct Include:
- How are Bile Duct Injuries Diagnosed in Washington, D.C.?
- Washington, D.C. Physician Negligence & Bile Duct Injuries
- What is the Statute of Limitations for a Bile Duct Injury Lawsuit in Washington, D.C.?
- Contact our Washington, D.C. Bile Duct Injury Lawyer Today
What Should I Know About Bile Duct Injuries?
The common bile duct is a small tube connected to the gallbladder. It helps transport bile from the gallbladder and liver to the pancreas and small intestine. Sometimes, however, the common bile duct may become injured. This often occurs during gallbladder surgery to remove gallstones or to remove the gallbladder entirely.
Bile ducts may become injured if they are:
- Torn or Cut Bile
- Burned
- Pinched
The most common type of gallbladder surgery is called laparoscopic cholecystectomy. During this surgery, the physician inserts a small light and camera into an incision and uses the real-time feedback to guide his or her movements to perform the surgery. If there is excessive bleeding, scarring, or swelling, it may be difficult to see where the bile duct is. Thus, physicians should exercise a high level of care when performing gallbladder surgery to avoid cutting or pinching the bile duct.
If a bile duct is injured, it can cause leakage of bile into the bloodstream and abdomen. Furthermore, even if the bile duct is not cut or torn, it may become blocked by scar tissue after surgery. This is known as bile duct stricture, an uncommon surgical error, it can also cause the bile to become backed up in the liver and spill into the bloodstream. While it is estimated that only about 1% of gallbladder surgeries result in injuries to the bile duct, the resulting pain and suffering can be severe.
Symptoms of Common Injuries to the Bile Duct Include:
- Pain in the abdomen
- Fever and chills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Jaundice
- Swelling of the abdomen
Treatment of injuries to the bile duct seeks to stop the leakage, blockage, or infection caused by the injury. Reconstructive surgery to repair the injured bile duct is often needed and may require the attention of a specialist if the injury is complex. While the recovery process for small injuries to the bile duct can be fairly quick, some bile duct injuries may take months to heal.
How are Bile Duct Injuries Diagnosed in Washington, D.C.?
Injuries to the bile duct can often be found by the physician during gallbladder surgery. However, after surgery, an intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) may be used to make sure the bile duct is intact and properly functioning. An IOC is a medical device that tracks the flow of a certain dye through the bile duct to identify any areas of leakage or blockage.
Washington, D.C. Physician Negligence & Bile Duct Injuries
If a doctor makes reckless incisions or does not exercise adequate caution during gallbladder surgery, and causes a bile duct injury, the patient may pursue compensation. Furthermore, if a physician fails to properly diagnose the injury or does not provide the necessary treatment to repair the bile duct, he or she may be held liable.
Doctors owe a duty of care to patients. This means they must provide safe, effective, and reasonable treatment options for each situation. At our firm, we have represented many clients against negligent or careless physicians. Our Washington, D.C. medical malpractice lawyers can gather evidence such as witness statements, medical reports, and other documentation to build your case and help you pursue medical malpractice compensation.
What is the Statute of Limitations for a Bile Duct Injury Lawsuit in Washington, D.C.?
Three years is the time limit, known as the statute of limitations, for a personal injury lawsuit in Washington, D.C. To have your lawsuit heard in court, you need to be sure to have your lawsuit filed before that three-year time frame expires. Should you not file your lawsuit within that time period, you will have lost your opportunity to have the case heard. So, do not delay if you are considering filing a personal injury lawsuit for your injuries.
Contact our Washington, D.C. Bile Duct Injury Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one have suffered a bile duct injury due to a doctor’s negligence or carelessness, the bile duct injury lawyers in Washington, D.C. at The Law Offices of Dr. Michael M. Wilson, MD, JD & Associates can help. Our law firm has guided numerous clients to successful legal solutions in bile duct malpractice cases. We know you are going through a stressful and emotional situation. That is why a Washington D.C. bile duct injury attorney from our law firm can work hard to handle the complicated legal issues of your case so you can focus on healing.
Contact our office today at (202) 223-4488 to discuss your case with a knowledgeable attorney. We can tenaciously uphold your right to compensation for a bile duct injury.
