Gastrointestinal Injuries
Attorneys for Gastrointestinal Injuries
When medical errors involving the gastrointestinal system lead to serious complications or wrongful death, you need attorneys who understand both the medicine and the law. At Travieso McLeod, P.A., we have the expertise to hold healthcare providers accountable for preventable GI injuries. Contact us at (904) 204-3013 or request a free consultation now. We serve Ponte Vedra, Florida, and the surrounding areas.
Gastrointestinal Malpractice: When Medical Errors Have Devastating Consequences
Gastrointestinal illnesses and procedures are increasingly common, from routine colonoscopies to complex gastric bypass surgeries. With this increase comes a troubling rise in medical malpractice claims. The gastrointestinal system is intricate, and errors in diagnosis, treatment, or surgical care can result in life-altering injuries or death.
With knowledge in many areas, including GI malpractice attorneys, our law firm has the medical knowledge and legal experience to evaluate these complex cases and pursue full and fair compensation for clients.
Failure to Diagnose
Bowel Perforation
A perforated bowel is a medical emergency. When doctors fail to recognize the signs—or fail to act quickly enough—patients can develop sepsis, peritonitis, or multi-organ failure.
Failure to Treat Diverticulitis
Untreated or improperly managed diverticulitis can lead to abscesses, bowel obstructions, or perforation. If your condition worsened due to negligent care, you may have a valid malpractice claim.
Attorney for Perforated Bowel Injury and Other Organs
Surgical perforation of the bowel, spleen, or other organs can occur during routine procedures. While this may be an inherent risk, the failure to notice the injury—or the failure to monitor the patient afterward—often constitutes malpractice. Uncontrolled bleeding and infections can be fatal when post-operative care falls short.
Delayed
Cancer Diagnosis
Early detection is critical in gastrointestinal cancers, including colorectal, stomach, and esophageal cancer. When doctors miss warning signs, misread test results, or fail to order appropriate screenings, patients lose valuable time for treatment. We help families seek justice when negligence leads to a worse prognosis or wrongful death.
Bile Duct
Injury
As attorneys for bile duct injuries, we know that these injuries most commonly occur during gallbladder surgery (cholecystectomy). When surgeons damage the bile duct and fail to repair it promptly, patients can suffer severe infections, liver damage, or need additional surgeries.
Leaving Foreign Objects
Inside a Patient
Surgical sponges, instruments, or other foreign objects left inside the body after surgery can cause infection, internal damage, and chronic pain. These are entirely preventable errors that reflect a breakdown in surgical protocols.
Injuries From Routine Diagnostic Tests
Colonoscopies and endoscopies are generally safe, but when performed without proper care, these procedures can perforate the colon or damage internal organs such as the spleen. Thousands of Americans undergo these tests annually to screen for colorectal cancer, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, or irritable bowel syndrome. When negligence leads to injury, we pursue accountability.
Our firm understands the complexity of these cases and is dedicated to helping families secure the justice and compensation they deserve.
Our Process: Your Path to Justice
We understand that reaching out to a law firm can feel intimidating, especially when you are dealing with a stressful or painful situation. Our goal is to make the process as straightforward and comfortable for you as possible. We do that through consistent transparency with you and by taking the heavy lifting out of your hands.
Here is what you can expect when you contact Travieso McLeod to discuss your personal situation.
1. The Initial Conversation: Sharing Your Story
During your first free consultation, we will listen carefully as you explain what happened. We’ll ask specific questions to get the full picture, including details about your medical treatment, how your life has been affected, and the healthcare providers involved. This meeting is your opportunity to ask us questions, too, so you can feel confident and comfortable with our team.
Note – in most cases, personal injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years of the date of the incident or malpractice. Contacting a lawyer as soon as possible is critical to ensure your rights are protected within Florida’s strict deadlines.
2. The Case Evaluation: Building A Path Forward
After our conversation, our new case review committee will meet and discuss the case. We will consider whether we have a reasonable expectation of being able to prove that someone’s negligence caused you harm and whether the harms are something a jury will adequately compensate if the case were to proceed to trial.
3. The Investigation: Leaving No Stone Unturned
If our case review committee determines that a viable claim may exist, our team will conduct a thorough investigation to see if your case meets Florida’s strict legal standards for recovery. We will gather all necessary records, bills, and other documents. If the records provide further evidence of a legitimate claim, we will then consult with appropriate experts. This process is vital to building a strong foundation for your claim.
4. Settlement Discussions or Filing A Lawsuit
If our investigation shows that you have a strong case, we will begin the pre-suit process. In medical malpractice cases, that means we will initiate the legally required notice period with the defense. In other cases, we may engage in negotiations with the defendant and their insurance company.
In medical malpractice cases, most do not settle during the pre-suit stage, and a lawsuit is required. While many personal injury cases are settled during this phase, a lawsuit may be filed if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will not pay upfront and will pay only if there is a positive recovery on your case.
5. The Discovery Process
Once a lawsuit is filed, both sides will exchange information, take depositions, and gather evidence. This is often the most time-consuming part of a case and is where we continue to build our evidence against the at-fault parties. The Court will require the parties to attend mediation. Some cases settle at mediation, but we will only recommend settlement if the recovery provides you adequate compensation. This is very case-specific, so please call us for a free consultation if you would like to discuss further.
6. Trial
If a settlement is not reached during the discovery phase, the case proceeds to trial. The trial itself can last anywhere from one to three weeks or longer, depending on the complexity of the case. Although most cases settle before trial, we will be prepared to try the case. It’s the best way to maximize your recovery because defendants and insurance companies understand the risk they face at trial.
7. Continuous Support: Keeping You Informed
We understand that the legal process can be long and challenging. From your first call to the resolution of your case, our team is committed to keeping you informed every step of the way. We will provide you with regular updates and explain what to expect next, always advocating for the best possible outcome.
Why Choose Us
When selecting a lawyer, results and relationships are what matter most. Here is why clients trust us with their most important cases.
- Our expertise is backed by a Florida Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, ensuring top-tier representation.
- We’re a boutique-style, self-funded law firm that values personal connections—our clients know us, and we know them.
- Honesty and empathy are at the heart of what we do. If there’s no case, we’ll tell you upfront.
- With unmatched settlement and trial preparation, we’re dedicated to maximizing your recovery.
- We’re passionate advocates for civil justice, standing up for everyday victims of negligence.
For more information, see our Who We Are, Glossary, and Video Library pages.
Other Medical Malpractice Cases
Beyond our focus on prescription error, our firm provides expert legal counsel for other serious matters, including:
Birth Injuries
Advocacy for families facing injuries to infants or mothers resulting from negligent prenatal care, labor, or delivery.
Medical Negligence
Representation in cases where a healthcare professional’s failure to meet accepted standards causes preventable harm.
Nursing Malpractice
Support for clients affected by nursing errors in medication administration, patient care, or monitoring by nursing staff.
Prescription Errors
Legal assistance for injuries stemming from incorrect medications, dosages, or prescription instructions.
Diagnostic Errors
Representing those harmed by a health care provider’s misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose a treatable medical condition.
Surgical & Post-Surgical Error
Guidance for individuals harmed by mistakes during surgery or complications from inadequate post-operative care.
Nursing Home Negligence
Upholding the rights of residents who suffer neglect, abuse, or substandard care within a long-term care facility.
Dental Malpractice
Supporting clients who experience harm through improper dental procedures, delayed diagnoses, or mismanagement.
Defective Medical Products
Pursuing claims on behalf of those injured by faulty medical devices, implants, or other healthcare products.
Get the Legal Representation You Deserve
If you or a loved one has suffered a gastrointestinal injury due to medical negligence, time is of the essence. Don’t wait to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Located in Ponte Vedra, FL, Robert, Mac, and their teams serve the surrounding areas, St. Augustine, Jacksonville, and Orange Park. Contact us at (904) 204-3013 or request a free consultation.