Bowel Injury Lawyer in Grand Rapids, Michigan
A bowel injury is a serious and often life-threatening medical emergency. When a doctor, surgeon, or hospital fails to recognize or promptly treat an intestinal injury, the consequences can include sepsis, permanent organ damage, multiple surgeries, or death.
At Hoffer & Sheremet, our Grand Rapids bowel injury lawyers represent patients and families throughout Grand Rapids, Kent County, and West Michigan who were harmed by preventable medical negligence involving bowel perforations, surgical injuries, and delayed diagnosis.
If you or a loved one suffered complications after surgery, diagnostic testing, or hospital care, we can help you understand what went wrong—and whether you have a medical malpractice claim.
What is a Bowel Injury?
A bowel injury—also called an intestinal injury or bowel perforation—occurs when the small intestine or colon is cut, punctured, torn, or damaged, allowing intestinal contents to leak into the abdominal cavity.
Because the bowel contains bacteria, a perforation can quickly lead to:
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Peritonitis
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Septic shock
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Multi-organ failure
Prompt recognition and treatment are critical. Delays of even a few hours can dramatically worsen outcomes.
Common Causes of Bowel Injuries in Medical Settings
Surgical Errors
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Accidental bowel perforation during abdominal or pelvic surgery
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Improper use of surgical instruments or cautery
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Failure to identify and repair a bowel injury before closing
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Inadequate visualization during laparoscopic surgery
Diagnostic Failures
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Failure to recognize signs of bowel perforation on CT scans or imaging
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Misinterpreting abdominal pain as constipation, gas, or ileus
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Delayed response to rising white blood cell count, fever, or tachycardia
Post-Operative Negligence
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Ignoring worsening abdominal pain after surgery
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Failure to investigate signs of infection or sepsis
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Delayed surgical consult despite clear red flags
Emergency Department Errors
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Discharging patients with undiagnosed bowel injuries
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Failure to order appropriate imaging
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Failure to admit or monitor high-risk patients
Symptoms of an Undiagnosed Bowel Injury
Patients and families often report that warning signs were ignored. Symptoms may include:
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Severe or worsening abdominal pain
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Abdominal distension or rigidity
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Fever or chills
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Nausea and vomiting
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Rapid heart rate or low blood pressure
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Confusion or altered mental status
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Signs of sepsis
If these symptoms were present and not acted upon, medical negligence may be involved.
Why Delayed Diagnosis is So Dangerous
Time matters. When bowel contents leak into the abdomen, bacteria spread rapidly, triggering systemic infection.
Delays in diagnosis can lead to:
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Emergency surgery instead of planned repair
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Ostomy placement (colostomy or ileostomy)
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Prolonged ICU stays
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Permanent digestive complications
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Wrongful death
Hospitals and providers are expected to recognize evolving clinical deterioration and respond appropriately. When they do not, they may be legally responsible.
When is a Bowel Injury Medical Malpractice?
Not every bowel injury is malpractice—but many are.
A bowel injury may constitute medical malpractice when:
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The injury was caused by careless surgical technique
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Providers failed to recognize or disclose a known injury
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Doctors ignored classic signs of perforation or infection
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There was an unreasonable delay in diagnosis or treatment
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Hospital staff failed to escalate care or consult surgery
Our firm works with board-certified surgeons, emergency physicians, and critical care experts to determine whether the standard of care was violated.
Damages Available in a Michigan Bowel Injury Claim
Depending on the facts, compensation may include:
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Additional surgeries and hospitalizations
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Rehabilitation and long-term care needs
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Lost income and loss of earning capacity
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Loss of quality of life
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Wrongful death damages (for surviving families)
Michigan medical malpractice cases are complex and highly defended. Experience matters.
Why Choose Hoffer & Sheremet
We focus on serious injury and medical malpractice cases—not volume, not quick settlements.
Clients choose us because:
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We handle complex hospital and surgical negligence cases
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We thoroughly investigate and prepare cases for trial
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We work closely with top medical experts
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We treat clients with respect, compassion, and transparency
We are proud to represent patients throughout Grand Rapids, Kent County, and West Michigan.
Bowel Injury FAQs
Speak With a Grand Rapids Bowel Injury Lawyer Today
If you believe a bowel injury or delayed diagnosis caused serious harm, you deserve answers—and accountability.
Call Hoffer & Sheremet today or
Request a free, confidential consultation online
We are here to help you understand your rights and take the next step forward.