Hiatus Hernia Claims
If you have suffered from a hiatus hernia and believe this was either caused or exacerbated by a medical error, you may be entitled to compensation. The clinical negligence solicitors at JMW are here to help you make a successful hiatus hernia claim.
We are highly experienced in this area of law and can provide the legal guidance you need to give yourself the best possible chance of securing the outcome you are seeking. We understand that this can be a daunting process, which is why we will support you at every step of the process.
Find out more about how JMW can assist with your hiatus hernia claim by contacting us on 0345 872 6666 you can also use our online enquiry form to request a call back at your convenience. We can handle cases on a no win, no fee basis.
What Our Clients Say
How JMW Can Help
At JMW, our friendly and sympathetic clinical negligence solicitors are highly experienced in claims regarding hiatus hernias, and we can help you put together the strongest possible case to make sure you secure all of the compensation to which you are entitled.
Headed by leading clinical negligence solicitor Eddie Jones, the team at JMW is highly regarded throughout the UK and includes members of the Law Society's specialist panel for clinical negligence and the Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA) solicitors panel. We understand how distressing it can be to fall victim to clinical negligence, which is why we strive to provide approachable and compassionate support and advice through every step of the claims process.
FAQs
- What is a hiatus hernia?
The chest and abdominal cavities are separated by a large flat muscle called the diaphragm. A hiatus hernia commonly occurs when the oesophagus (gullet) passes through the diaphragm on its way to the stomach. This opening sometimes becomes enlarged, allowing a pouch of the stomach to slide upwards and become trapped
The majority of hiatus hernias are initially small. However, if left untreated they can become large, and occasionally the whole stomach and other abdominal organs can slide up into the chest cavity.
There are two types of hiatus hernia:
- Sliding hiatus hernia - This is a hernia, typically in the chest, that moves up and down
- Para-oesophageal hiatus hernias - This is a hernia that involves part of the stomach being pushed up through the hole in the diaphragm next to the oesophagus
A hiatus hernia is usually treated without surgery using dietary measures, such as a switch to small frequent meals, as well as weight reduction and medication. However, larger hernias generally require surgical repair, allowing room for errors to be made by medical professionals, resulting in a longer period of recovery and unnecessary time off work
- What are the symptoms of hiatus hernia?
A small hiatus hernia may be symptom-free, and even fairly large ones are sometimes only picked up on a routine X-ray. However, typical symptoms of hiatus hernia include
The majority of hiatus hernias are initially small. However, if left untreated they can become large, and occasionally the whole stomach and other abdominal organs can slide up into the chest cavity.
- Bloating
- Excess stomach gas
- Nausea
- Chest pain (sometimes mistaken for a heart attack
- Heartburn
- Palpitations
- Difficulty swallowing
- Vomiting
- Regurgitation of food
- Shortness of breath
A hiatus hernia can also lead to a condition called gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), which involves stomach acid leaking into the oesophagus. If a hiatus hernia prevents the valve at the bottom of the oesophagus from functioning as it should, GORD can be an after-effect of this.
- Who is most at risk from hiatus hernias?
Anyone can be affected by a hiatus hernia, but the following groups are particularly susceptible:
- People over the age of 50
- Pregnant women
- Overweight people
- How are hiatus hernias treated?
Repair of a hiatus hernia is a common operation that can be performed either through an upper abdominal incision, or via laparoscopy (keyhole surgery). The laparoscopic approach has become more common over the past few years, and generally leads to positive outcomes.
The procedure involves the sac of the hernia being pulled back down into the abdominal cavity and the defect in the diaphragm repaired with an artificial mesh. This mesh is perfectly safe and has been used in surgical procedures for many years
If this treatment goes wrong and causes you injury, you may be able to claim compensation for clinical negligence.
Talk to Us
Contact the team at JMW to find out more about how we can help you with your hiatus hernia negligence claim. Call us today on 0345 872 6666 or complete our online enquiry form and we will call you back to discuss your options in detail. We can provide more information on whether or not you are eligible to make a no win, no fee claim
