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. Internal injuries can have lasting impacts on a person’s life, often resulting in long-term health issues and challenges with daily functioning.
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 (772) 225-4900 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. Severe internal bleeding can result from traumatic accidents and may require emergency intervention to prevent fatal outcomes.
- Broken ribs: When ribs break, they can puncture internal organs such as the lungs, liver or kidneys, causing severe complications and heightened health risks.
Types of Internal Injuries
Internal injuries are among the most serious consequences car accident victims can face, often requiring immediate medical attention to prevent life-threatening complications. The most common internal injuries in car accidents include organ damage—such as lacerations to the spleen or liver—and internal bleeding, which occurs when trauma causes blood vessels to rupture. These injuries can be especially dangerous because symptoms may not appear right away, making prompt diagnosis and treatment critical.
In addition to organ damage and internal bleeding, car accident victims may suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and spinal cord injuries. TBIs can result from a violent blow to the head or a sudden jolt, leading to a range of symptoms from headaches and confusion to long-term cognitive impairment. Spinal cord injuries, on the other hand, can cause partial or complete loss of movement and sensation, dramatically altering a person’s life.
Soft tissue injuries are also common in car accidents, affecting muscles, ligaments, and tendons. While some soft tissue injuries may seem minor at first, they can develop into chronic pain or mobility issues if not properly treated. No matter the type, all internal injuries require immediate medical attention to ensure the best possible outcome for accident victims.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries are frequently seen in car accidents and can range from mild bruises to severe tears of ligaments or tendons. Accident victims may experience pain, swelling, and limited mobility, which can interfere with daily activities and work. While some soft tissue injuries heal with rest and conservative care, others may require physical therapy or even surgery to restore function.
For car accident victims, soft tissue injuries can lead to significant medical expenses and lost wages, especially if the injuries prevent them from returning to work. The pain and suffering associated with these injuries can also take a toll on a person’s quality of life. If you have suffered soft tissue injuries in a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention promptly and consult with a personal injury attorney to explore your options for recovering compensation.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a particularly serious type of internal injury that can occur in a car accident when the head is struck or subjected to a sudden, forceful movement. Even a seemingly minor collision can result in a TBI, with symptoms ranging from headaches and dizziness to memory loss, mood changes, and difficulty concentrating. In severe cases, TBIs can lead to permanent disability or require lifelong care.
Car accident victims who sustain traumatic brain injuries often need extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation to regain lost skills and adapt to new challenges. The impact of a TBI can extend far beyond physical symptoms, affecting relationships, employment, and overall well-being. If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention and consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.
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.
Some of the most common injuries resulting from car crashes, car collisions, and auto accidents include internal organ damage, internal bleeding, and fractures. These incidents often lead to serious internal injuries that require immediate medical attention.
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.
Car accidents can also result in neck injuries, such as whiplash, which are especially common in a rear end collision due to the sudden movement of the head and neck. Knee injuries may occur from impact with the dashboard, while shoulder injuries can result from seat belts or side impacts. The steering wheel is a frequent source of trauma in frontal collisions, leading to chest, shoulder, and facial injuries. Prompt medical evaluation is important for these types of injuries to ensure proper treatment and recovery.
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: Physical pain is a common symptom of internal injuries and can range from mild discomfort to severe, persistent pain in the injured area. 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.
Psychological Impact of Accidents
The effects of a car accident are not limited to physical injuries—many accident victims also experience significant psychological and emotional distress. Conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common after car accidents, with symptoms that may include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and avoidance of situations that remind victims of the accident. Emotional distress can interfere with daily life, relationships, and the ability to return to normal activities.
If you are struggling with the psychological impact of a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention and consider speaking with a mental health professional. Addressing emotional injuries is just as important as treating physical ones. A personal injury attorney can help you seek compensation for emotional distress and other damages related to your accident, ensuring that all aspects of your recovery are taken into account.
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.
Failing to seek prompt medical care for internal injuries can result in a serious injury or even multiple serious injuries, which may have long-term or life-threatening consequences.
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.
What to Do After an Accident
If you have been involved in a car accident, taking the right steps immediately afterward can make a significant difference in your recovery and your ability to seek compensation. First and foremost, seek medical attention immediately—even if you feel fine. Some internal injuries, such as internal bleeding, may not show symptoms right away, and prompt medical evaluation can prevent serious complications.
After receiving medical attention, contact a car accident lawyer to discuss your legal options. An experienced personal injury attorney can guide you through the legal process, help you file a claim, and work to secure compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Be sure to gather evidence from the accident scene, including photos, witness statements, and any relevant documentation. Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible, but avoid making statements that could be used against you.
By acting quickly and following these steps, you can protect your rights and improve your chances of recovering the compensation you need to move forward after a car accident.
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. Victims may need to file a personal injury claim or car accident claim to recover compensation for their losses. In a car accident case, both property damage and injuries are considered, and establishing the at fault driver or at fault party is crucial for a successful claim. Car accident lawyers and an experienced attorney can help navigate the complexities of car accident cases, including understanding Florida law and maximizing compensation for victims.
Florida law sets specific deadlines and rules for filing claims, and working with an experienced attorney can help ensure compliance and improve the chances of recovering compensation. 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 (772) 225-4900 or contacting us online for a free review of your case.
