Internal injuries can be some of the most dangerous and expensive injuries, oftentimes necessitating the need for experienced Chicago car accident lawyers. While broken bones and cuts can heal with time, internal injuries caused by a car accident can lead to long-term problems, including organ damage, infection, and even death.
It’s so important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of internal injuries and to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you suspect you or a loved one may have suffered from one in a car accident.
With prompt diagnosis and treatment, many people suffering from internal injuries caused by a car accident can recover fully. However, if these injuries are left untreated, they can have serious consequences.
The Chicago car accident lawyers at Drake & Collopy, P.C. are committed to helping victims of car accidents get the compensation they need and deserve to cover their medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
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What are Internal Injuries?
Internal injuries occur inside the body and can range from minor to life-threatening. They are often caused by car accidents, falls, or other traumatic events.
Symptoms of internal injuries can include pain, bruising, and swelling. In severe cases, internal bleeding may occur. If you suspect that you or someone else has suffered an internal injury, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Internal injuries can be severe and may require surgery or other treatment.
If you have been involved in a car accident, seek legal advice. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and options and represent you in court if necessary. If you have been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Types of Internal Injuries
Different types of internal injuries can occur depending on the nature of the accident. These can include:
- Brain Bleeds
Brain bleeds happen when an open or closed head wound causes the brain to bleed. This can prevent oxygen from reaching areas of the brain, leading to brain damage that may be permanent.
Brain bleeds can also cause lasting damage by putting the brain under excessive pressure. If you or someone you know has been in a car accident, be aware of the signs and symptoms of a brain bleed. These can include:
- A headache that worsens over time
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Difficulty swallowing
- Weakness on one side of the body
With prompt medical treatment, many people make a full recovery. But if a brain bleed is left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications. So if you’ve been in a car accident, don’t delay in seeking medical help. It could save your life.
- Broken Ribs
Though broken ribs are commonly associated with sports injuries, auto accidents are a more common cause. In fact, according to the National Library of Medicine, car accidents are the leading cause of rib fractures in the United States for adults.
There are several reasons why this type of injury is so prevalent in auto accidents.
- First and foremost, the sheer force of a collision can cause severe trauma to the chest, resulting in broken ribs.
- Additionally, the seatbelt can add additional pressure to the chest and abdomen, increasing the likelihood of rib fractures.
- Finally, airbags can also contribute to broken ribs, as they deploy with significant force and can strike passengers in the chest.
While broken ribs are certainly painful, they usually heal on their own within a few weeks. However, in some cases, broken ribs can puncture the lungs or other organs, which can be life-threatening. Our Drake & Collopy, P.C. car accident lawyers advise seeking medical attention after an auto accident, even if you do not feel injured.
- Pneumothorax
Pneumothorax is when air or gas escapes from the lungs and collects in the chest cavity. This can put pressure on the lungs and heart, making it difficult to breathe.
Pneumothorax can be caused by several things but is most commonly seen in car accidents. When a collision occurs, a rib can puncture the lung, causing air to escape and the lung to collapse. A penetrating chest wound, such as a knife or bullet can also cause pneumothorax.
- Organ Injury
An organ injury is an internal injury that can occur during a car accident. Though it may seem like something that would only happen in a high-speed collision, even a low-speed impact can cause organs to be damaged.
In most cases, organ injuries result from blunt force trauma, meaning that the impact force causes the organ to be compressed or lacerated.
While any organ can be injured in a car accident, the most common organ injury is to the spleen. This is often caused by the steering wheel, dashboard, or seat belt striking the abdomen and rupturing the spleen.
Organ injuries can be extremely serious and may even require surgery to repair. If you have been involved in a car accident, seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t think you’ve been injured. Only a trained medical professional can assess whether or not you have suffered an organ injury.
There are many more injuries that car accidents can cause. These are just a few of the most common. Even if you don’t think you’re injured, it is always better to be safe than sorry.
Remember, your health is your most important asset. Don’t risk it by putting off seeking medical attention. You should also consult an attorney to discuss your legal options. Experienced Chicago car accident lawyers can help you get your deserved compensation.
Internal Injury Symptoms to Look for After a Car Accident
Car accidents can cause various injuries, some of which may not immediately appear. We still firmly insist on seeking medical attention after an accident. Only a trained medical professional can assess the full extent of your injuries.
That being said, there are some common symptoms of internal injuries that you should be on the lookout for:
- Nausea or vomiting
Nausea is one of the most common symptoms of internal injuries, especially after a car accident. It can be caused by various factors, including bruising or damage to the organs, inflammation, and even emotional stress.
While nausea can sometimes be a sign of a minor injury, it can also be a warning sign of something much more serious. If you experience nausea after a car accident, seek medical attention immediately.
- Pain in the Abdomen, Chest, or Back
Pain is another common symptom of internal injuries. It can be caused by any number of things, including organ damage, broken bones, or inflammation. Like nausea, pain can signify a minor injury or something much more serious.
You must see a doctor immediately if you experience pain after a car accident. Only a trained professional can properly diagnose the cause of your symptoms and rule out any potentially life-threatening conditions.
- Signs of Shock
Shock is a condition that can occur when the body is experiencing severe stress. It is characterized by rapid heart rate, shallow breathing, sweating, and dizziness. Shock can be caused by various factors, including internal bleeding, organ damage, and emotional trauma. Shock can be life-threatening, so getting help as soon as possible is important.
Internal Bleeding Causes
- Blunt Trauma
Blunt trauma is an injury that occurs when an outside force hits the body and causes damage to the tissues and organs beneath the skin. It is a major cause of death and disability, particularly in car accidents.
Blunt force trauma to the abdomen can lead to internal bleeding, often of the spleen or liver. This can happen if the driver or passenger is thrown against the steering wheel or seat belt or if another vehicle has a sudden impact.
The symptoms of abdominal blunt trauma include pain in the abdomen, usually severe; rigidity of the abdominal muscles; bruising; and blood in the vomit or stool.
- Decelerating Trauma
Decelerating trauma is an injury that occurs when the body is suddenly thrown forward and then comes to a stop.
This type of trauma often occurs in car accidents when the driver or passenger is thrown against the steering wheel, seat belt, or dashboard.
Decelerating trauma can also occur if the driver or passenger is ejected from the vehicle. The symptoms of decelerating trauma include internal bleeding, usually of the lungs, bruising, and pain in the chest.
- Penetrating Trauma
Penetrating trauma is one of the most common internal bleeding causes after a car accident. This type of trauma occurs when an object pierces the body, causing damage to the internal organs.
This trauma can happen when the victim is ejected from the vehicle or when debris from the collision penetrates the victim’s body. Internal bleeding can also occur if the victim sustains a blunt force injury in the accident.
This type of injury occurs when the body is forcefully impacted, causing damage to the internal organs. Internal bleeding can be extremely dangerous and often leads to death.
Our Drake & Collopy, P.C. car accident lawyers understand the severe physical, emotional, and financial challenges you may face after suffering internal injuries in a car accident.
We will work tirelessly to help you get the compensation you deserve. We also recommend any accident victims undergo diagnostic testing and treatment at a hospital emergency room or with their primary care physician as soon as possible to ensure that their injuries do not progress and become worse.
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Compensation and Treatment for Internal Injuries
While external injuries can usually be treated with first aid, internal injuries require immediate medical attention.
Internal bleeding, for example, can quickly lead to organ failure or death. Treatment for internal injuries typically involves surgery to repair the damage and minimize the risk of further complications. In some cases, internal injuries may also require long-term care and rehabilitation.
Compensation for internal injuries can also be available through personal injury claims or workers’ compensation claims. You may be entitled to financial compensation if you have suffered an internal injury due to someone else’s negligence. Speak with our Chicago car accident lawyers to learn more about your legal rights and options.
Compensation for internal injuries typically takes into account the severity of the damage, the expected recovery time, and the impact on the victim’s quality of life.
In some cases, internal injuries can lead to permanent disability or disfigurement. Victims of these injuries may receive punitive damages and other damages.
Victims that suffer internal injuries are compensated for:
- Medical Costs
Though no single type of insurance covers all medical costs, most people have some form of insurance that will cover at least a portion of their expenses following an accident.
Many types of injuries can be suffered in a car accident, from minor scrapes and bruises to more serious internal injuries. Medical expenses can quickly add up in the case of more severe injuries.
Hospitalization, surgery, and rehabilitation costs can be covered by insurance and any ongoing costs for medications or treatments. In some cases, emotional trauma caused by the accident may also be covered.
Though no money can truly compensate for the pain and suffering caused by an accident, compensation can help ease the financial burden and allow injured individuals to focus on their recovery.
- Lost Wages
When you are injured in a car accident that was caused by someone else, you may recover lost wages as part of your compensation. This damage is intended to reimburse you for the income you would have earned if it were not for the accident and your injuries.
To recover lost wages, you will need to prove that the accident caused you to miss work and that you would have earned income during that time.
In some cases, this can be done with pay stubs or other documentation from your employer. If you are self-employed, you may need to provide tax records or other financial documentation to show how much income you would have earned.
Lost wages can be a significant part of your overall damages; seek legal help if you have been injured in a car accident.
- Pain and Suffering
Internal injuries can cause a great deal of pain and suffering. This damage is intended to compensate victims for their injuries, and the physical and emotional anguish caused by their injuries.
To recover pain and suffering damages, you must provide evidence of the pain and suffering you have endured. This can be done with medical records, testimony from friends and family, or other documentation.
Our experienced Chicago car accident lawyers can help you to gather the evidence you need to prove your pain and suffering damages.
Let our Chicago Car Accident Attorneys Handle your Claim
Our Chicago car accident lawyers have years of experience handling claims. We understand your challenges and can help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
We will review your case and advise you of your legal options. If you choose to retain our firm, we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if you get paid. Call us at (312) 262-4872 to schedule your free consultation.
