The kind of impact injuries that can be suffered after an accident can vary by person. Although a victim can walk away with only bumps and scratches, others might sustain deadly internal bleeding that must be checked by a doctor right away. Some internal injuries are not always visible. As a result, a victim may skip medical care to save money. And when they realize they are injured, it may be too late to fully recover from the injury. If you have been harmed in an accident because of another person’s actions, you could be eligible for compensation. Speak with a Salem Oregon personal injury lawyer to know your options.
Why Internal Injuries are Dangerous
Internal injuries must be taken lightly because they can be fatal. Getting immediate medical attention after an accident can help detect an internal injury. A lot of victims think that a medical checkup is not necessary if they don’t feel pain and they have no serious injuries. But, remember the way impacts affect your physiology.
During an impact, your fight-or-flight response will activate, releasing strong adrenaline. This adrenaline blocks pain receptors and this is the reason you may not feel any pain right after an accident. Unfortunately, some internal injuries don’t cause immediate pain or visible symptoms. Thus, you need to see a doctor promptly to save your life.
Types of Internal Injuries
The following injuries may only be detected with diagnostic imaging. They may not show immediate symptoms:
- Traumatic brain injury. An impact can leave you with a traumatic brain injury. Some types may heal without requiring additional medical care. However, with others, you may need a combination of medication, surgery, counseling, and physical therapy.
- Abdominal aorta rapture. In an impact, the abdominal aorta may suffer extreme pressure and may rapture or be crushed. An abdominal aorta rapture is usually fatal because it can result in severe internal bleeding.
- Brain bleed. This injury may happen with open or closed head wounds. In this injury, the brain suffers a significant amount of pressure, so it requires immediate medical intervention.
- Internal bleeding. This can quickly result in death. Its signs include fatigue, fainting, purple bruising around the abdomen, cramping, and paleness.
All types of impacts can result in substantial financial stress for victims, usually leading to high medical bills and lost wages. This is the reason victims must discuss their legal options with a lawyer.