Internal Injuries from Car Accidents in Charlotte, NC
Not all severe and life-changing injuries are visible. Internal injuries, particularly internal bleeding, may often occur after a severe accident. They most commonly occur in any accident with significant blunt trauma, and symptoms may occur days or even weeks after sustaining the damage. If you need help to recover compensation for damages after suffering from internal injuries, contact Edwards Injury Law today.
The Different Types of Internal Injuries
Some of the most common forms of internal injuries include:
- Brain Bleeding: Blunt trauma or other injuries to the head can cause brain bleeding.
- Ruptured Spleen: When the spleen ruptures during a vehicle collision, it may cause severe internal bleeding and needs immediate attention.
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: If there is compression or trauma to the stomach area, it may cause an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
- Pneumothorax: This injury occurs when broken ribs puncture a lung and causes it to deflate and collapse.
- Internal Bleeding: Internal bleeding can occur if trauma causes blood vessels to rupture and will prevent clotting and could cause the injured party to bleed to death without treatment.
Common Causes of Internal Injuries
Internal injuries can occur for many reasons. However, some of the most common causes include:
Car Accidents
Car accidents cause internal blood vessels to rupture during the impact of the collision. The injured party must seek medical care immediately. Some of the common symptoms to watch for include:
- Lightheadedness
- Pale complexion
- Fatigue
- Feeling cold or having the chills
- Abdominal pain
- Extreme thirst
The above is not the complete list, but some of the most typical signs a person may feel if they suffer internal injuries in a car accident.
Commercial Truck Accidents
Collisions that involve trucks can cause severe internal injuries that are not immediately apparent to the injured party or others. Internal injuries can occur even in low-impact accidents. After a crash with a commercial truck, it is critical to seek immediate medical care to avoid long-term complications or death.
Motorcycle Crashes
Motorcycle crashes can lead to many forms of internal injuries, including:
- Bleeding around the lungs
- Organ damage, including heart, liver, spleen, and lungs
- Thigh fractures leading to internal leg bleeding
- Broken ribs puncturing the ribs and other organs
Motorcycle riders often sustain severe injuries because they do not have the same protection as other motorists. Motorcycle accidents can often lead to severe and life-threatening injuries. Riders must seek immediate medical care after a crash to avoid unforeseen complications.
Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents
Slip, trip, and fall accidents commonly cause internal injuries. While the accidents commonly cause external damage, internal injuries are most common and can often be life-threatening.
Assault and Violent Attacks
Assault and violent attacks can often lead to internal injuries. The victim of an attack may sustain brain bleeding, internal bleeding, and organ damage.
Treatments After Suffering an Internal Injury
An internal injury may cause an unsafe drop in blood pressure and the physician may use intravenous fluids, blood transfusions, and imaging tests to find the damage. Other tests may include:
- Exploratory laparotomy: For internal bleeding, a physician may make a large abdomen incision to explore the area for injuries carefully.
- Craniotomy: When bleeding on the brain occurs, the surgeon makes a hole in the skull to relieve pressure from the swelling.
- Craniotomy: If there is bleeding around the lungs, heart, or other organs, the doctor may make an incision around the rib cage to complete a thorough inspection and diagnosis.
What To Do If You Suffer An Internal Injury
It is crucial to seek treatment from a medical professional after suffering internal injuries. After seeking care, the injured party must follow the doctor’s orders for the best chance of full recovery. Finally, after seeking treatment, reaching out to an experienced personal injury attorney at Edwards Injury Law could help you understand your legal rights and receive a fair settlement amount.
Recovering Damages After Suffering an Internal Injury
After proving liability in civil court, the plaintiff could recover compensation to cover:
- Current and future medical bills and ongoing care costs for the injuries related to the accident.
- Current and future loss of pay and future earning potential.
- Payment to cover any transportation costs necessary for treatment.
- Modification costs for the plaintiff’s vehicle and home, if required.
- Therapy or counseling for post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Compensation to cover pain and suffering and mental pain and anguish from the accident.
The award amounts will depend on the specifics of the accident and injury. The court will also factor in other things, including the claimant’s age.
Time Limit to Commence the Legal Action After an Accident Leading to Internal Injuries
There is a strict court-enforced time limit for filing a civil claim after a person’s careless or intentional actions cause injuries. According to the North Carolina General Statutes Section § 1-52, the claimant must file the claim within three years of the accident. If a victim does not immediately know of the injuries they sustained, the clock will begin running when they reasonably discover the injuries.
How Edwards Injury Law Can Help
Internal injuries can occur in even what may seem to be a minor accident. They may or may not present themselves right away, and if the injured party does not receive immediate treatment, they could quickly turn fatal. After an accident, all parties involved must seek medical care. If the medical professionals do not find injuries in the examination, it is still essential to watch for signs of internal injuries. Upon noticing potential symptoms, seeking care right away is crucial if there are any signs. If you suffered internal injuries because of negligence, an experienced lawyer at Edwards Injury Law could advocate on your behalf and fight to get you the fair and just settlement you deserve. Contact us today.
Related
Car Accidents
Truck Accidents
Motorcycle Accidents
Negligent Security
Slip and Fall Accidents
