Any bowel obstruction is a medical emergency and must be treated immediately. Without accurate, timely diagnosis, it can be life-threatening. The failure to properly diagnose and treat can lead to septic shock, peritonitis, and death.

In Arizona and San Diego, the personal injury lawyers and skilled litigators who can help victims of failure to diagnose bowel obstruction are the Attorneys for the Mercaldo Law Firm.

The Mercaldo Law Firm’s track record of success in a broad range of jury trials has won millions of dollars in damages for their personal injury and medical malpractice clients during their more than 40 years of experience. The Mercaldo Law Firm uses expert investigative findings and proven litigation skills to achieve maximum compensation for those it serves.

When Failure to Diagnose a Bowel Obstruction Becomes Medical Malpractice

A bowel obstruction can go undiagnosed and untreated despite examinations by a number of lines of defense: an emergency room physician, a primary care physician, and a surgeon. The result can be multi-system organ failure, final-stage renal disease, and the urgent need for a kidney transplant.

As in most cases of serious and potentially catastrophic injury, diagnosis and treatment must be performed in a timely manner in order to avoid serious injury and numerous complications.

Symptoms and Warning Signs of an Obstruction

When the large or small intestine is blocked, symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and bloating. A battery of tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis and treatment of small intestine obstruction.

How Doctors Diagnose

A physician who suspects the presence of an obstruction should conduct an abdominal X-ray and CT scan to determine the problem’s source and determine if the blockage is partial or complete. An ultrasound can also be used to help diagnose an intestinal obstruction, you can read more from Mayo Clinic here.

Contact The Mercaldo Law Firm

The attorneys you should speak with about your Arizona or San Diego doctor’s failure to diagnose bowel obstruction is The Mercaldo Law Firm. Call or e-mail the Mercaldo Law Firm today. Your initial consultation is free of charge! We will promptly return messages left after hours the following business day. Evening appointments are available upon request.