When a person goes through a traumatic accident such as a fall from height, an automobile accident, a sports injury, a work related accident, or another type of serious incident that results in obvious external injuries, the damage on the inside may initially be overshadowed. However, damage to internal organs can be life threatening. Time is of the essence when dealing with these types of injuries. Internal bleeding needs to be stopped and the organs repaired, removed, or even replaced, as soon as possible to increase the chance of survival. If you have suffered an internal abdominal injury due to another party’s negligent actions, you may be eligible to file a claim against them in order to recover damages. Contact an experienced South Carolina personal injury attorney at once to find out what your legal options may be.
Liver Trauma
The liver is the most vulnerable organ in the abdominal area due to its inherent fragility and location within the body (in the upper right of the abdomen), according to a 2011 study. Internal bleeding is an incredibly real threat in the incident of trauma to the liver, given its great blood supply demands. In very serious cases, the patient may bleed to death from the liver if the damage is too severe to stop or they are not admitted to an emergency room in time.
Spleen Trauma
Spleen damage is another serious, life-threatening condition. However, it is less likely to cause death than liver trauma due to the fact that it will not bleed as profusely as the liver, unless a major blood-supplying vessel is severed. Spleen injuries cause pain in the upper left of the abdomen and can be caused by fractured ribs, such as a heavy blow from a fall or a car accident.
Pancreas Trauma
One of the lesser at-risk organs, the pancreas is usually damaged along with other injuries. Missed diagnosis are common because there are few physical signs and laboratory parameters can be inaccurate, according to a study done in 2010. Missing a diagnosis can be life threatening. One indicator of pancreatic trauma is the abundance of fluid surrounding the small organ.
Kidney Trauma
The kidneys are somewhat protected by the ribs, and are less likely to suffer serious injury than other, unprotected organs. Blunt trauma can cause kidney injury, which is associated with blood in the urine. A fractured kidney can also leak urine into the body.
Bowel Trauma
A penetration injury may puncture the small intestine, which is 20 feet long and takes up a large area within the abdomen. A punctured bowl is another life-threatening injury. It can cause abscesses, bowel obstruction, fistula formation, and infection.
If you have been injured by another person’s careless, negligent actions, contact an experienced Columbia, South Carolina, personal injury attorney at 803-310-5700. You may be able to recover damages to help pay for your medical costs, pain and suffering, and lost wages. To learn more about your legal options, contact The Connell Law Firm, LLC today.