Common Internal Injuries That Occur in Accidents
One of the most serious types of accident injuries is an internal injury. If not treated immediately, internal injuries can lead to serious complications or even death. If you sustained an internal injury from an accident caused by another’s recklessness, you might be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The qualified and experienced lawyers at Gardner Law Firm are committed to helping victims fight for their rightful compensation. Call us today to set up a no-obligation, no-charge consultation.
Internal Injuries: Types
Some of the most common types of internal injuries that occur during vehicle accidents include:
Brain Bleeds
Brain bleeds may occur due to open or closed head wounds in vehicle accidents. This could prevent oxygen from reaching various areas of the brain, causing brain damage that may be permanent. Also, these injuries can lead to lasting brain damage by putting the brain under tremendous strain.
Broken Ribs
The effects of an accident can result in fractured ribs. Broken ribs are particularly hazardous as these fractured bones can impact other body parts, damaging blood vessels, and organs.
Pneumothorax
This condition occurs when a rib penetrates a lung, causing the lung to deflate and collapse and release air into the chest. Pneumothorax is typically a complication resulting from fractured ribs.
Abdominal Aorta Aneurysm
If the stomach is compressed in a crash, the victim may suffer an abdominal aorta rupture, also known as an abdominal aorta aneurysm. This is often a fatal internal injury.
Organ Injury
In a vehicle crash, particularly a high-impact accident, any internal organ can sustain damage. This can lead to internal bleeding and may result in the impacted organ failing to perform vital functions. Common organ injuries that occur due to accidents include kidney damage and liver lacerations. If not treated immediately, these injuries can cause permanent damage or deadly internal bleeding.
Ruptured Spleen
A ruptured spleen can lead to serious internal bleeding. Surgical treatment is typically necessary to address this condition.
Internal Bleeding
An accident may cause blood vessel trauma, preventing them from clotting or repairing themselves. This can cause internal bleeding, and symptoms may include the following:
- Cold feeling
- Abdominal pain
- Thirst
- Lightheadedness
- Pale complexion
- Fatigue
Symptoms of Internal Injury to Look for After an Accident
It is vital to understand what symptoms to look for if you have been involved in a crash. Some common symptoms of internal injuries due to impact are:
Pain
High-impact crashes may cause injuries to the abdominal organs or chest, causing severe medical complications. Be mindful of abdominal or chest pain or tenderness. Even if they feel the tenderness is not severe, victims must seek medical care. The symptoms of internal injuries may appear minor initially but become worse over time.
Nausea
Accident victims may feel dizzy or nauseous after crashes due to loss of blood. Some victims vomit after sustaining internal injuries. After an accident, vomiting indicates that something is amiss, particularly if the vomit contains blood.
Bruising
Even if the injuries are internal, bruising may occur. If you notice that your skin has turned dark purple in certain areas, it means that you are bleeding into your skin and soft tissues. This is much more dangerous than an everyday bruise.
Indications of Shock
The body typically goes into shock if you lose a substantial amount of blood over a short span on time. Rapid heart rate, lightheadedness, weakness, and lethargy are signs of the body going into shock.
What to do after Sustaining an Internal Injury
A person may sustain internal injuries even in minor vehicle collisions. At times, victims remain unaware that they have an internal injury as their symptoms are not apparent or they take time to manifest.
Therefore, it is vital to not avoid medical treatment following a collision merely because everything seems fine. The best way to detect serious internal injuries is to undergo immediate medical treatment. A skilled medical practitioner will order the necessary tests to reveal hidden internal injuries that you may be unaware of.
Internal Injuries: Treatment and Compensation
The symptoms of internal injuries might not manifest immediately. However, it is crucial to get examined by a medical professional right after an accident to have the best chance at full recovery. A personal injury lawyer will be able to help you assess what your claim is worth. Victims who sustain internal injuries should receive full and fair compensation for:
- All medical expenses, including continuing care or adaptive devices that may be required to deal with internal injuries.
- Lost income, covering not just time off work but sick time as well as any future income reduction due to the crash injuries.
- Emotional turmoil damages.
- Damages for pain and suffering endured.
Speak to Our Seasoned Accident Attorneys Today
Internal injuries sustained in vehicle accidents may necessitate expensive and extensive medical treatment, leaving victims with substantial medical expenses and forcing them to take time off work to heal.
The attorneys at Gardner Law Firm work with injured clients, collecting evidence and pursuing liable drivers to secure the compensation required to cover medical bills and lost income and compensation for your pain and suffering.
Learn more about the legal options available to you through a complimentary, no-obligation case review with our skilled accident attorneys today. To schedule a consultation, call today at (228) 436-6555.
