This is a list of our firm's case results in Virginia (VA) and beyond. We can't guarantee you'll receive the same results, but we can guarantee we'll work tirelessly on your behalf and try to obtain the jury verdict or settlement you deserve.

DISCLAIMER: Please note that every case is different and these verdicts and settlements, while accurate, do not represent what we may obtain for you in your case.

Gallbladder Surgery Error

WHAT HAPPENED: Client was 60 year-old gentleman in reasonably good health but for the fact that he had diabetes. He was admitted to the hospital to have his right toe treated and while he was there, he developed symptoms of gallbladder disease. Tests revealed that he needed his gallbladder removed and he was operated on shortly thereafter. The doctors who operated on him did not properly identify the structures leading to and from the gallbladder and after nearly seven hours of surgery, they concluded that they could not successfully perform the procedure. Shortly after the surgery was completed, tests were run which revealed that the surgeons had mistakenly cut the client's common bile duct resulting in bile leaking into the client's abdomen. The surgeons who botched the surgery promptly transported the client to a major teaching institution where his injuries were repaired through an elaborate re-working of the client's digestive system.

KEY LEGAL STRATEGY: As soon as we were retained, the surgeon who performed the repair on the client's abdomen was consulted to make sure we had a clear understanding what mistakes had been made by the original surgeons. Thereafter, two very highly-qualified surgical experts were retained to testify that the original surgeons had committed malpractice. Their opinions could not be effectively attacked by the defense. A mediation was conducted that resulted in the insurance company paying the client for his injuries.

Awarded: $425,000

About the Editors: Shapiro, Lewis & Appleton is a Virginia injury law firm whose attorneys focus on personal injury and accident law and have extensive experience handling medical malpractice and doctor mistake cases. Please take a few moments to review our medical malpractice case results. We have offices in Virginia Beach and Hampton, VA, but we're ready to come to you anywhere in Virginia, including Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Newport News and Suffolk, VA, if you've been seriously hurt by the carelessness of a doctor, surgeon, nurse or pharmacist.

Rick Shapiro and James Lewis have been recognized as among the Best Lawyers in America since 2008. Also, Rick and Jim have been named Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law since 2010. Fewer than 5 percent of lawyers are chosen for this professional honor.

Members of our VA personal injury law firm have also been selected by the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum since 2009. In addition, we were the first injury law firm in Virginia to join Primerus, a select group of highly ethical and respected law firms. Our VA medical malpractice firm has the highest rating of AV from Martindale-Hubbell, a national lawyer ranking organization, which means we have a reputation for preeminent legal skill.

We offer free special reports on the Top 10 Tips from a Medical Malpractice Insider and the top five surgical errors you must know about. 

While not every injury case meets our criteria, we offer free initial confidential injury case consultation, so call us toll free at (800) 752-0042. If you cannot get through due to high call volume, please leave a voicemail so we can return your call.