Common Internal Injuries That Occur on Impact

Impact injuries vary from person to person. While one person might be lucky enough to walk away with bumps and scratches, another might suffer life-threatening internal bleeding that requires immediate medical attention. Perhaps some of the most dangerous injuries are internal injuries. These aren’t always visible, which leads some victims to skip medical care in order to save money. By the time they realize something is wrong, it may be too late to make a full recovery.

If you’ve suffered injuries caused by someone else, you could be entitled to compensation. Learn more about your options now by calling Burns, Cunningham & Mackey at 251-432-0612.

Dangers of Internal Injuries

Internal injuries can be incredibly dangerous, which is why we always recommend getting a medical checkup after a serious impact. Many people believe a checkup isn’t necessary if they aren’t in serious pain and there are no visible injuries. However, you must remember how impacts affect your physiology.

An impact activates your fight-or-flight response and releases a flood of adrenaline, which blocks pain receptors to allow you to get away from imminent danger. If you aren’t in pain after getting hit, it doesn’t necessarily mean you did not suffer without injuries. It may mean that you just can’t feel the pain yet because the adrenaline hasn’t worn off.

A surprising number of internal injuries do not cause immediate pain or any visible symptoms. This is why a prompt medical checkup could truly save your life.

Brain Bleed

Brain bleeds are very dangerous to victims, and they may occur with open or closed head wounds. The brain suffers an enormous amount of pressure during brain bleeds, so this type of injury requires immediate intervention.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Any impact can leave victims with traumatic brain injuries. Some TBIs heal without extra medical care, but many require a combination of surgery, medications, physical therapy, and counseling.

Pneumothorax

This injury often occurs with a broken rib. In some cases, broken ribs heal on their own with rest and stabilization. This happens when the rib breaks but remains in place. If a rib breaks and moves out of place, it can puncture the lung. This causes air to flood the chest cavity and can be fatal, as the lung either partially or completely deflates.

Abdominal Aorta Rupture

The abdominal aorta is responsible for transporting blood to your lower extremities. In an impact, it may suffer extreme pressure and either rupture or be crushed. This type of injury is often fatal, as it leads to serious internal bleeding that may or may not be medically managed.

Spleen Rupture

A ruptured spleen is another type of organ injury that can lead to severe internal bleeding. However, it can often be fixed if it is immediately detected and treated. Generally, spleen ruptures do require surgical treatment.

Other Types of Organ Damage

In addition to the organ injuries listed above, other organs can also suffer serious damage in an impact. Outcomes vary, depending on which organ is affected, how quickly the injury is detected, and how swiftly a victim receives treatment.

Internal Bleeding

Internal bleeding is one of the worst possible outcomes of an impact. It can quickly lead to death, and unfortunately, it isn’t always immediately visible. Signs of internal bleeding include purple bruising around the abdomen, fatigue, paleness, fainting or lightheadedness, and cramping.

Discuss Your Claim with the Team at Burns, Cunningham & Mackey

Impacts of all kinds can lead to enormous financial stress for victims, often resulting in high medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. That’s why it’s important to discuss your legal options with a personal injury attorney. The team at Burns, Cunningham & Mackey can help you plan your next steps. To set up a consultation now, call us at 251-432-0612 or contact us online.