There were 1,546 non-fatal accident injuries in Martin County requiring hospitalization in 2021. More than half of those (800) occurred due to falls, and another 262 due to traffic accidents. Many accident victims suffered severe internal injuries that dramatically affected their quality of life.
Recognizing the importance of understanding internal injuries can’t be overstated. While external injuries are often visible and receive immediate attention, internal injuries can go unnoticed, leading to delayed treatment and worsening conditions. Early detection and proper medical care can be lifesaving in such cases.
If you suffered an injury in a Stuart personal injury accident that wasn’t your fault, don’t hesitate to contact The Eberst Law Firm online or call 1-888-CALL-JON for a free consultation. We’ll work to help you get the money you deserve.
What Are Internal Injuries?
Internal injuries happen in many ways. They typically don’t show signs of harm but can have severe and far-reaching consequences. Some common forms of internal injuries include:
- Organ damage: Injuries can damage vital organs like the liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs due to the impact of blunt force trauma. This trauma can occur in accidents that subject the body to significant force or crushing impact.
- Internal bleeding: Internal bleeding occurs when blood vessels rupture or organs sustain damage, leading to the seepage of blood within the body. What makes internal bleeding particularly dangerous is the fact that many victims have no idea it’s happening. If a doctor doesn’t treat this injury immediately, it can be life-threatening.
- Broken ribs: When ribs break, they can puncture internal organs such as the lungs, liver or kidneys, causing severe complications and heightened health risks.
Common Causes of Internal Injuries in Stuart
Accidents resulting in internal injuries in Stuart can happen anywhere. These are a few of the more common causes.
1. Car Accidents
Car accidents happen in Stuart and the surrounding areas far too often. There were 10,837 car wrecks in Martin County between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2022. These accidents resulted in 3,698 injuries. High-speed collisions subject the human body to devastating forces. These forces can result in various internal injuries, including organ damage, internal bleeding, and fractures.
Accident victims often suffer injuries associated with seat belt use. While seatbelts are essential for safety, they can also cause internal injuries. The rapid deceleration of a vehicle during a collision can lead to seat belt-related injuries affecting the chest and abdominal areas.
The forceful deployment of airbags during a collision can also contribute to trauma. Airbags may cause facial injuries, broken bones, or internal injuries due to the sudden impact.
2. Slip and Fall Accidents
Internal injuries in slip and fall accidents are also common. This is especially true when victims fall from significant heights or land on hard surfaces. These accidents can cause severe damage to the spine, brain, or internal organs. The insidious nature of these injuries means they are often not immediately evident, making prompt medical evaluation crucial.
3. Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents at construction sites and manufacturing facilities can be horrible. Across the U.S., nearly 800,000 workers in these industries suffered injuries severe enough to require medical attention in 2021.
Malfunctions of heavy machinery or falls from ladders or scaffolding can lead to severe internal injuries. These injuries often result from the crushing impact of the equipment or the impact of a fall from an elevated surface.
4. Water Activities
Stuart’s proximity to water bodies like the St. Lucie River and the Atlantic Ocean makes water-related accidents relatively common. Boating incidents, swimming pool accidents, and similar mishaps can result in internal injuries.
5. Medical Malpractice
Victims may suffer internal injuries due to medical malpractice. Surgical errors, misdiagnosis, or delayed treatment can all contribute to internal injuries. What sets these injuries apart is that patients are often unaware of the damage until it reaches critical levels, underscoring the need for vigilance in healthcare settings.
Symptoms of Internal Injuries
Recognizing the symptoms of internal injuries is pivotal for individuals and healthcare professionals to ensure prompt medical attention. These symptoms can vary but may include:
- Localized pain: Discomfort or pain in the injured area is a common symptom. However, pinpointing the source of the pain may not always be easy. Please see a doctor immediately if this is happening to you.
- Swelling or tenderness: Swelling and tenderness at the injury site can indicate internal trauma. These signs may develop over time and become more pronounced as the injury worsens.
- Dizziness or fainting: Internal bleeding, particularly if significant, can lead to a drop in blood pressure, resulting in dizziness or fainting. These symptoms can indicate a critical medical condition and require immediate attention.
- Shortness of breath: Internal injuries, especially those affecting the chest or lungs, can lead to breathing difficulties. No one should ever ignore shortness of breath. They need to see a medical professional immediately.
- Blood in urine or stool: Blood in urine or stool is another red flag that may suggest internal bleeding. This symptom is particularly concerning and necessitates urgent medical care.
The Importance of Seeking Medical Attention
Get medical help as soon as you can if you have any reason to suspect you have an internal injury. It could be a matter of life and death. Internal injuries can evolve, potentially leading to severe complications or even fatalities if left untreated.
Healthcare professionals have the expertise and diagnostic tools to promptly identify and address internal injuries. Timely diagnosis and the administration of appropriate medical care are critical in improving outcomes, alleviating suffering, and helping victims avoid further harm.
Legal Recourse for Victims
You have the legal right to seek compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial hardships endured due to your injuries. This compensation may encompass medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can provide guidance and help you get every dollar you have coming.
But you need to know that Florida has a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury cases. This means there’s a limited window of time for you to file a claim. You won’t have any other legal options if you miss the deadline.
Contact the Eberst Law Firm to Speak with an Experienced Personal Injury Accident Attorney ASAP
The Eberst Law Firm has a team of attorneys who know how to help clients obtain maximum compensation. Let us show you what we can do for you by calling 1-888-CALL-JON or contacting us online for a free review of your case.
