Sometimes, when a collision is incredibly severe, it may cause damage to internal organs within the abdomen. They are rare, due to the heavy duty protection that encases them (the ribs), but they can be life threatening endeavors. Furthermore, they are often overlooked, which leads to even more threat of dying. More obvious external injuries or broken bones may attract the attention of medical personnel first, and the sometimes more serious organ damage can be looked over in the process. It is crucial to fix any internal organ bleeding as soon as possible after a car accident in order for the best possible case outcome. If you or a loved one were injured in an auto collision, contact an experienced Cleveland, Ohio, car accident attorney at once.
Damage to the Liver
The most vulnerable and life threatening organ to injure is the liver, according to a 2011 study. It is located in the upper right segment of the abdomen and has a large blood supply, making it quick to bleed out. If the liver is severely damaged, the victim may bleed to death before they make it to the emergency room, or they may even bleed to death in the ER.
Damage to the Spleen
Like the liver, the spleen is another organ that is susceptible to damage that may lead to life threatening complications. Although, the spleen is less likely to bleed as profusely as the liver unless a major blood-supplying vessel is severed. Due to the location of the spleen in the upper left of the abdomen, a fractured rib can be the cause of damage to the spleen. In a car accident, the ribs may be fractured from various circumstance, such as impact with the steering wheel, dashboard, a knee, or even the tremendous force the seat belt puts on the ribcage in a very serious rollover or head-on accident.
Damage to the Pancreas
Pancreas damage is often missed, as the signs are few and lab parameters are often inaccurate, according to a study done in 2010. Although the pancreas is of less threat to bleed out, a misdiagnosis can still be lethal. If a health care provider misses a bleeding pancreas, it may take a longer amount of time to develop serious life threatening complications, such as bleeding to death or sepsis, which is an infection of the tissue. One of the more clear signs of pancreatic damage is the buildup of fluid surrounding it.
Damage to the Kidneys
The kidneys are partially protected by the ribcage, and are therefore less likely to suffer a serious injury than an unprotected organ. However, a hard impact can cause damage to the kidneys. Signs of kidney damage is blood in the urine or urine leakage into the body.
Damage to the Bowels
The small intestine is 20 feet long and takes up a very large space within the abdomen, and is therefore prone to puncture wounds. Any bowel damage can be lethal, as sepsis can take hold due to the leakage of bacteria-contaminated fluid. A bowel puncture can lead to abscesses, fistula formation, bowel obstruction, and infection. If you have been injured in a car accident, do not hesitate to contact an experienced Cleveland, Ohio car accident attorney today at the law offices of the Ohio Car Accident Lawyers .
