Speak with a medical malpractice attorney. Malpractice is when a doctor or other medical care provider provides care which is not up to accepted standards; cutting a bile duct by accident could easily consitute malpractice.  When malpractice is committed, the doctor, hospital, clinic, etc. could potentially be liable for additional medical costs (such as to deal with complications, or from a prolonged recovery or more involved procedure); lost wages (if any); and, when there is prolonged or significant pain, disability, etc., for pain and suffering as well. Therefore, it is possible that you have potentially significant claims which could, as a minimum, provide an offset versus what you owe the hospital.