Common Internal Injuries

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One of the most unpredictable injuries is an internal injury. Internal injuries often take time to show up, compared to injuries like broken bones and lacerations. Because of this, it’s often hard to determine whether or not you need treatment until you’re already at risk of a fatal injury.

Learn more about common internal injuries, and to discuss your personal injury claim in greater detail, call Reeves & Mestayer at 228-374-5151.

Dangers of Internal Injuries

The primary danger of internal injuries is the fact that they are not immediately identifiable. When you combine that with the fact that many can be fatal if left untreated, it’s obvious that prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Many internal injuries result in internal bleeding, which may not cause much pain or discomfort immediately. However, as blood pools up within the cavities of the body, the victim runs a greater and greater risk of dying.

Signs of Internal Injuries

If you think you may have internal injuries, it’s important to keep a watchful eye on your physical health and wellbeing in the hours and days after an impact. The best solution, of course, is to seek medical attention as soon as possible. However, for those who seek to avoid treatment, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of internal injuries.

Symptoms include:

  • Swelling of the abdomen
  • Deep purple bruising around the abdominal area
  • Any unexpected swelling in the body
  • Sudden pain or discomfort in the abdomen and other parts of the body
  • Pain that gradually increases over time
  • Severe headaches
  • Dizziness, fainting, or loss of balance
  • Nausea
  • Low blood pressure

Organ Damage

While the body can easily recover from some types of organ damage, other organ injuries are fatal. A ruptured spleen often leads to internal bleeding, which can be fatal. If a ruptured spleen is identified, it can only be fixed via surgery. A punctured lung is another potential outcome of a car accident, and it usually occurs alongside a broken rib. This causes difficulty breathing and is often fatal.

Abdominal Aorta Rupture

An abdominal aorta rupture occurs when the aorta that supplies blood to the lower half of the body ruptures. Because of the size and importance of this blood vessel, a rupture can immediately cause serious internal bleeding. Without immediate medical intervention, death is a likely outcome.

Broken Ribs

Broken ribs are different from other types of broken bones because they may not be immediately noticed by the victim. A victim may experience some general discomfort or difficulty breathing, but not enough to think that there is something wrong. In fact, many broken ribs do not require significant medical intervention. As long as the rib stays in place, it will heal without too much intervention. The real problem occurs when a rib breaks and punctures the lung. This type of injury can quickly lead to death.

Internal Bleeding

Internal hemorrhaging is often caused by serious organ damage during a car crash, and it may be the result of blunt force trauma or penetrating trauma. The speed wit which blood pools up in the body’s cavities depends on how serious the organ or blood vessel rupture is. If someone suspects internal bleeding, they need to seek immediate medical attention, as internal bleeding is often fatal.

Brain Bleed

A brain bleed is another serious and potentially fatal injury that may occur after a car accident. It typically happens to victims that experience blunt force trauma to the head during a crash. The brain hitting the inside of the skull can lead to permanent brain damage, stroke, or death.

Contact Reeves & Mestayer to Discuss Your Personal Injury Claim

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car crash, we’re here to talk to you about your legal options. You may be entitled to compensation from the liable party. To schedule a consultation, call us at 228-374-5151 or contact us online.