Don’t Ignore Pain in Your Abdomen After Your Car Accident
Victims of car accidents often suffer injuries that they may not realize until days or weeks after the crash. Whiplash and concussions are two common injuries that might not present symptoms immediately after the car accident. In some cases, adrenaline can mask an injury so that the victim does not feel the pain or other symptoms until the shock of the crash has worn off completely.
Unfortunately, some of these injuries can be very serious. If a person does not recognize that he or she is injured, medical attention may be delayed. A delay in medical attention could cause the injury to become life-threatening. One of the injuries that can have delayed pain is an abdominal injury.
If you feel any pain in your abdomen after a car accident, you should immediately go to the emergency room or an urgent care facility. The injury may not be life-threatening; however, you cannot be sure until you are examined by a medical professional. A delay in treatment could have fatal results.
Abdomen Injuries from Car Accidents
The two most common injuries to the abdomen in a car crash that may produce delayed symptoms are internal bleeding and organ damage. Both injuries can cause permanent impairment and critical conditions.
Internal Bleeding
With internal bleeding, it can be difficult to realize that you have been injured because there may not be any outward sign of trauma. You may also mistake any pain you feel as being soreness from the impact of the crash. However, internal bleeding can become life-threatening within minutes if not treated. Even a small amount of blood that is not critical could cause an infection that spreads throughout the body.
Signs of internal bleeding include:
- Swelling and/or abdominal pain;
- A large, deeply purple area on the skin;
- Seizures or loss of consciousness;
- Headaches;
- Fainting; and,
- Light-headedness or dizziness.
If you have any of these symptoms after a car accident, seek immediate medical attention.
Organ Damage
Organ damage is the other abdominal injury that might not be immediately detected after a car accident. Unfortunately, as with internal bleeding, organ damage can quickly turn deadly if it is not diagnosed and treated. Once the organ fails, the result is usually death.
Symptoms of organ damage include:
- Abdominal pain
- Low blood pressure
- Vomiting and nausea
- Rapid pulse
- Loss of consciousness
- Shoulder pain and left arm pain (spleen)
- Tenderness over the area
- Rigid abdomen
- Blood in the urine (kidneys)
- Bluish or purple color (bruising) on the stomach
- Abdominal pain on the right side and right shoulder pain (liver)
As with the internal bleeding, any sign of symptoms should be treated as an emergency.
Complicating a Personal Injury Claim
When you have delayed symptoms, it can complicate a personal injury claim. The attorneys for the other side will argue that your injury was not sustained in the accident or you are not truthful about the delayed pain. Our Erie personal injury lawyers are familiar with these tactics and have strategies to fight this type defense.
If you need to file an injury claim seeking compensation for accident-related expenses, losses, and damages, contact our office for a free case review. Call The Travis Law Firm at (800) 401-2066 to request a free legal consultation with our Erie personal injury lawyer. We want to hear your story and help you recover the money you deserve for an injury caused by a negligent act.