The Dangers of Internal Injuries

 Posted on November 17, 2023 in Catastrophic Injuries

Internal bleeding and damage can result from injuries sustained in a trauma. While the signs of internal injuries may be apparent for some, in many cases, internal damage may go unnoticed, resulting in fatalities.

If you or a loved one suffered internal injuries, you need to speak with our experienced Rockford catastrophic injury attorneys.

Types of Internal Abdominal Injuries

An internal injury can happen as a result of trauma. This could include any situation, including a motor vehicle collision, sports injury, or slip and fall. Internal injuries may be hard to detect since you cannot see the damage like you would a scrape or bruise.

Internal injuries will most likely occur in the abdomen. Common abdominal injuries from trauma may include damage to the:

• Kidneys: Damage to the kidneys will result in flank pain (pain in the sides of your body) and blood in the urine
• Spleen: The spleen is responsible for filtering 10% of the body’s blood supply. Pain may result in the upper left side of the abdomen and, if left untreated, can become life-threatening
• Liver: The liver consists of two lobes, with the larger lobe that is positioned on the right being most often injured. A torn liver can cause severe bleeding. Pain will result in the upper right side of the abdomen. 
• Pancreas: The pancreas is located behind the stomach. Injury to the pancreas will likely result in damage to other abdominal organs. If your pancreas is injured, you will likely feel pain in the upper middle part of the abdomen, and your abdomen may even become distended and hard.
• Diaphragm: A ruptured diaphragm may be the result of a penetrating or blunt trauma. 90% of diaphragm injuries are caused by motor vehicle crashes. A ruptured diaphragm may present with the victim having trouble breathing, abdominal pain, coughing, and bowel sounds being heard in the chest.

Symptoms of an Internal Injury

Even though internal bleeding may not be readily apparent, after a few hours, many accident victims will begin to show symptoms.

Symptoms of an internal injury may include, but are not limited to:

• Tenderness over the injured area
• Rigid abdomen
• Cold, sweaty skin (early signs of shock)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Bluish discoloration of the belly 
• Bruising around the belly button and flanks
• Rapid pulse
• Low blood pressure

How Can an Internal Injury Be Detected?

Internal injuries can be diagnosed with medical imaging, which may include a CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound. These tests can help to identify any internal bleeding and the source of it.

Some head injuries, including concussions, can occur when there is no direct head trauma. If you are not presenting symptoms of a traumatic brain injury, your condition may not be diagnosed until there has already been brain damage.

If you have experienced a delayed diagnosis resulting in further health complications, you should discuss your case with a Winnebago County catastrophic injury attorney.

Suffered an Internal Injury? Contact a Rockford, IL, Catastrophic Injury Attorney Today

Internal injuries affect thousands of people each year. A delay in diagnosis can result in further complications and even death. If you or a family member have suffered an internal injury or internal bleeding, our Winnebago County, IL, catastrophic injury attorneys want to hear from you. Contact Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Jambois, online or by phone today to schedule your free consultation.