Internal Injuries and the Law

Types of Internal Injuries 

Internal injuries can result from two types of injury trauma: blunt or penetrating. Blunt trauma occurs when the body experiences a forceful impact or contact with an object or surface, for example, in a car accident or fall. This may also result in a crush injury. 

Penetrating trauma, on the other hand, is when an object pierces the body, potentially damaging muscles and internal organs. 

Internal injuries typically require emergency treatment and can be catastrophic. Some examples of the different types of internal injuries include: 

• Organ Damage Internal injuries include damage to vital organs like the liver or kidneys. Car or truck accidents, blunt force trauma, or even defective products can lead to organ damage. This type of injury typically requires hospitalization and surgery and can have lasting detrimental health consequences.  

• Internal Bleeding Internal bleeding is a hidden danger that can occur in various instances, for example, work accidents, falls, battery, and car crashes. Internal bleeding may not be immediately apparent but can become life-threatening if left untreated. Internal bleeding usually requires emergency medical attention.

• Fractures While broken bone injuries are typically not considered internal injuries, they can cause severe internal complications. For example, fractures of the ribcage can puncture the lungs and other vital organs. 

• Brain Bleeding Brain bleeding, also called intracranial hemorrhage, is a serious internal injury typically resulting from severe head trauma. Bleeding within the brain can lead to increased pressure in the skull, potentially causing permanent brain damage or death. The condition is an emergency and may require surgery to relieve pressure.

• Ruptured Spleen A ruptured spleen can occur from a direct blow to the abdomen, such as in car accidents, slips and falls, or work injuries. When the spleen ruptures, internal bleeding typically occurs. Ruptured spleens may require surgical removal.

• Diaphragm Rupture Diaphragm rupture can occur following blunt or penetrating trauma, for example, in car crashes and workplace accidents. The diaphragm plays a vital role in breathing, and injuries usually may be repaired surgically.
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Abdominal aortic aneurysms occasionally occur with severe trauma injuries. The aorta is a large artery supplying blood from the heart to the body. If an aortic aneurism causes a rupture, life-threatening bleeding results. Back pain, chest pain, and shortness of breath indicate an aortic aneurysm. 

Symptoms of Internal Injuries

Since internal injuries can quickly threaten the life of an injured individual, recognizing the symptoms in you or others and receiving prompt medical treatment could save lives.  Call emergency medical help if you or another party suffers injuries in an accident.

Your Next Best Steps After an Internal Injury

If you or a loved one suffered extensive injuries in an accident, focusing on your health and legal rights can be critical. Here are some of the important steps to take:

Seek Medical Help 

Internal injuries may go undetected. Therefore, individuals involved in an accident or serious fall should get checked out by a doctor promptly. Consider also that you will need a medical report documenting injuries and treatments if you want to hold the responsible party to account for your damages.  

Collect Evidence for Your Legal Case

If possible, start gathering evidence immediately after an accident to determine the cause of your injuries. This can include which can include: 

• Photographs 
• Accident reports
• Witness statements
• Medical documentation

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one suffered internal injuries in an accident or fall, contacting an experienced attorney can be essential for understanding your legal rights and the next best steps. Hiring a lawyer at the Ammons Law Firm will allow you to discuss your case and your options for recovering compensation. 

Contact the Ammons Law Firm Today

You don’t have to struggle with a complex insurance claim or lawsuit alone. Our dedicated attorneys can handle your personal injury claim from start to finish, fighting hard for the compensation you need to get your life back on track. If we can not settle your case, we have a proven track record of success at trial and will file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf. 

Start protecting your legal rights today and contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. To learn more about personal injury lawsuits, visit our personal injury resources and guide.