Harrisonburg Misdiagnosed Bowel Obstruction Lawyer

Bowel obstructions are life-threatening conditions that occur when the intestines become blocked. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, including cancer, hernias, and scar tissue from previous surgeries. In many cases, a bowel obstruction can be treated with simple surgery to remove the blockage. However, if a bowel obstruction is not promptly diagnosed and treated, it can cause serious complications and even death.

Contact Obenshain Law Group if you or a loved one was harmed due to a misdiagnosed bowel obstruction. Our team of medical malpractice lawyers can help you determine if you have a case and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call (540) 318-7360 or complete our online form to set up an appointment.

The Dangers of a Misdiagnosed Bowel Obstruction

When a bowel obstruction is not diagnosed and treated quickly, it can cause serious and even life-threatening complications.

Some of these complications can include:

• Bowel perforation (a hole in the intestines)
• Bowel ischemia (inadequate blood supply to the intestines)
• Bowel strangulation (twisted intestines)
• Sepsis (a severe infection)

These complications can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Bloating
• Fever
• Chills
• Rapid heartbeat
• Dehydration

If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, you must seek medical attention right away. If your doctor fails to diagnose and treat a bowel obstruction in a timely manner, call Obenshain Law Group to find out if you have a case.

How Is a Bowel Obstruction Diagnosed?

Doctors typically conduct a series of tests on patients showing symptoms of bowel blockage to rule out other potential causes and confirm the diagnosis.

Some of these tests can include:

• Physical examination of the abdomen
• Medical history
• Blood tests
• X-rays
• CT scan
• Ultrasound

These tests help medical professionals determine the presence and location of any intestinal obstruction. Once a bowel obstruction is diagnosed, the patient may be hospitalized and treated with nasogastric tube therapy (a tube inserted through the nose into the stomach to relieve pressure) and intravenous fluids. Surgery is usually required to remove the obstruction and repair any damage.

How Can a Bowel Obstruction Be Misdiagnosed?

Unfortunately, bowel obstructions are often misdiagnosed as other conditions, such as:

• Gastroenteritis
• Appendicitis
• Stomach ulcers
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Food poisoning
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

All of these conditions can exhibit symptoms similar to those of a colon blockage, complicating the diagnosis process. Despite this, it is the physician's responsibility to order the necessary tests to confirm the diagnosis and consider other possible conditions. A physician may be held liable for medical malpractice if they fail to identify a colon blockage and the patient suffers as a result.

Call A Skilled Misdiagnosed Bowel Obstruction Attorney in Harrisonburg

Contact Obenshain Law Group to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced lawyers. We can help you understand your legal options and determine the best way to proceed. Our firm proudly serves clients in Harrisonburg, Staunton, and Winchester, Virginia.

Request a consultation with a professional Harrisonburg bowel obstruction lawyer from Obenshain Law Group. We have years of experience in personal injury law and are ready to answer your questions. Call (540) 318-7360 as soon as possible.