After a car accident, some people may suffer only minor scrapes and cuts. Others may think they’re doing well after an accident. However, they may not realize they have internal bleeding that could become fatal if left untreated.
It is essential to visit your doctor following an auto accident to check for internal bleeding. If you have internal bleeding from a crash, one of our Syracuse car accident lawyers can help you take the first steps towards getting compensation.
Causes of Internal Bleeding
We advise our clients to visit their doctor as soon as possible following a car crash. The more force involved in a collision, the greater the chance of internal bleeding. Any of the following could cause internal bleeding:
- Blunt force trauma: When enough force from the impact of a car crash compresses the body, it can cause the lining of the internal organs to bleed, resulting in serious medical complications.
- Deceleration: The force from deceleration can shift the internal organs inside the body, tearing the blood vessels surrounding them. Deceleration injuries can also cause bleeding in the brain, which can be life threatening.
- Bone fractures: Blood vessels around larger bones, such as the pelvis, can rupture from the impact that breaks the bone, resulting in internal bleeding.
Symptoms of Internal Bleeding
You may experience some or all of the following symptoms of internal bleeding after a car crash. If you notice these symptoms, consult your doctor right away for a proper diagnosis. Internal bleeding symptoms may include:
- Lightheadedness and dizziness
- Pain in the chest, abdomen, or other parts of the body
- Tingling in the head or feet
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden vision issues, such as blurry vision or double vision
- Nausea or vomiting
- Heavy sweating
If you notice confusion and disorientation after your accident, this can also indicate excessive blood loss. If there is no obvious cause, it may mean the bleeding is internal. Excessive blood loss can also result in a total loss of consciousness. Visit your local emergency room immediately if this happens to you.
Diagnosing and Treating Internal Bleeding
Your doctor can order a blood test to see if you have low red blood cells because of blood loss. X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds can help find the source of the bleeding. A doctor can also use angiography to look at each of your blood vessels to see wear the tearing may be.
If the internal bleeding is slow or delayed, you may need to go under observation to see if it will stop on its own. In cases of severe internal bleeding, a surgeon can perform one of these procedures to stop the bleeding and protect your internal organs:
- Exploratory laparotomy: The surgeon cuts into your abdomen to examine it and uses a heat probe or sutures to close up any torn blood vessels.
- Craniotomy: A hole is made in the skull to relieve pressure and reduce further damage to the brain.
- Thoracotomy: An incision in the rib cage or breastbone helps the surgeon find and ease the bleeding from reaching the heart and lungs.
- Fasciotomy: If the internal bleeding is in any muscle, such as the thigh, the surgeon may need to cut into the muscle to relieve pressure and prevent further bleeding.
If you’re on blood-thinning medications, the doctor may give you additional treatments to help your blood to clot. Depending on the cause of your internal bleeding, you might need occupational, physical, or even speech therapy after your surgery.
These therapies can help you regain your previous quality of life. However, treatment for internal bleeding is expensive and victims deserve compensation for the cost.
Contact Our Team of Syracuse Car Accident Lawyers
Damage from internal bleeding can have long-term effects on your life, from emergency surgery to ongoing therapies. With the knowledge and experience of Catalano Law, we can help you to get maximum compensation for your injuries and medical costs.
Contact us for a free consultation to get the legal assistance you need after a car accident. We can protect your rights while you focus on your recovery.