Recovering Damages for Internal Trauma in Ardmore, OK
Internal injuries are uniquely dangerous. They may not show obvious external signs. Symptom onset is often delayed. Delayed treatment can result in death. A local attorney experienced with internal injury claims knows how to properly document the full scope of internal trauma.
Why Internal Injuries Are Different
Hidden Damage Without Obvious External Signs
Internal injuries can occur with minimal external evidence. This causes them to be especially dangerous because they can go unrecognized.
The body can absorb significant force while showing minimal external signs.
Delayed Symptom Onset
Internal bleeding may not produce immediate symptoms. Manifestations can occur on different timelines than external injuries.
This delayed onset:
- Necessitates prompt medical assessment
- Generates timing-of-injury disputes
- Allows internal injuries to progress to dangerous levels before treatment
Hidden Damage Affects Vital Systems
Internal trauma impacts essential bodily systems:
- The cardiovascular system
- Breathing function
- Stomach, intestines, and gastrointestinal function
- The urinary system
- Reproductive systems
- Hormone-producing organs
Internal Injuries Can Be Life-Threatening
Death is possible without prompt treatment. Internal bleeding, organ damage, and other internal injuries can rapidly progress to fatal conditions.
Common Internal Injuries
Internal Bleeding (Hemorrhage)
Internal hemorrhage is particularly dangerous.
Internal bleeding can occur in:
- Chest bleeding
- Abdominal bleeding
- Bleeding behind the abdominal cavity
- Within organs
- Intracranial hemorrhage
- Between organ layers
Unrecognized internal bleeding can cause hypovolemic shock and can be fatal.
Solid Organ Injuries
Splenic Injuries
The spleen is particularly vulnerable to abdominal trauma. Splenic rupture can cause life-threatening hemorrhage. May require splenectomy.
Liver Injuries
The liver is the largest solid organ. Liver damage can cause massive internal bleeding.
Kidney Injuries
Renal injuries varies in severity. May cause chronic kidney problems.
Pancreatic Injuries
Pancreatic trauma is often particularly difficult to diagnose. Leads to severe issues.
Hollow Organ Injuries
Bowel Perforations
Bowel ruptures cause peritonitis. Surgical repair is required.
Stomach Injuries
Stomach rupture is less common but serious.
Bladder Injuries
Bladder injury happens in significant pelvic trauma.
Chest Injuries
Pulmonary Contusion
Pulmonary contusion can cause significant breathing problems.
Pneumothorax
Air in the pleural space can be life-threatening.
Hemothorax
Hemothorax needs urgent intervention.
Cardiac Injuries
Heart damage can cause arrhythmias and other complications. Cardiac tamponade (blood compressing the heart) is life-threatening.
Aortic Injury
Aortic rupture or laceration is rare but typically fatal.
Diaphragm Injuries
Diaphragmatic injury causes serious complications.
Pelvic Injuries
Pelvic injuries can involve combined skeletal and organ damage.
Common Causes of Internal Injuries
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Car, truck, and motorcycle crashes cause many internal injury cases.
Crash forces affect internal structures, causing both blunt and crushing trauma.
Falls
High falls cause internal trauma.
Pedestrian and Cyclist Accidents
Vehicle strikes of pedestrians and cyclists often produce internal injuries.
Workplace Accidents
Workplace incidents produce internal injuries.
Crush Injuries
Crush incidents cause severe internal damage.
Penetrating Injuries
Penetrating trauma produce direct organ damage.
Sports and Recreational Injuries
Athletic activities can cause internal injuries.
Medical Negligence
Healthcare-related internal damage can cause internal injuries.
Defective Products
Defective products can cause internal injuries.
Why Internal Injury Cases Get Minimized
“It Doesn’t Look That Bad”
Without obvious external damage, claims face skepticism.
This minimization continues despite diagnosis.
“The Other Driver Was Fine”
The comparative absence of obvious injury in others gets used against the plaintiff.
Delayed Diagnosis
Late diagnoses create causation challenges.
Insurers claim the injury could have been caused by something other than the accident.
Lack of Public Awareness
General lack of awareness enables defense arguments.
How Internal Injury Cases Get Built
Immediate Medical Documentation
Trauma center evaluation build the medical record.
Imaging Studies
Diagnostic imaging document internal injuries.
Surgical Findings
Operative reports from emergency surgery establish the severity of internal damage.
Treating Physician Testimony
Treating doctors document the medical case.
Medical Records of Delayed Diagnoses
For delayed diagnoses, Medical documentation of the chain build the causation case.
Expert Medical Testimony
Medical experts build the medical case.
Patient Symptom Tracking
Documentation of the development of symptoms establishes the connection.
Damages in Internal Injury Cases
Compensation in these cases include:
- Trauma center treatment
- Major surgical expenses
- Hospital stays
- ICU expenses
- Continuing surgical care
- Ongoing medical care
- Lost wages
- Reduced ability to work
- Non-economic damages
- Effects on relationships
- Compensation for fatal cases
- Enhanced damages where conduct was egregious
Long-Term Consequences
Internal injuries often have long-term consequences:
Permanent Organ Damage
Removed or significantly damaged organs produce long-term consequences.
Splenectomy Consequences
Removed spleens requires lifelong vaccinations and precautions.
Kidney Function Issues
Kidney damage can result in chronic kidney disease.
Digestive Complications
Bowel injuries cause lasting digestive issues.
Reproductive Complications
Reproductive system damage can affect fertility, sexual function, or hormonal balance.
Chronic Pain
Some internal injuries cause chronic pain require lifelong management.
Common Insurance Defenses
“The Injury Wasn’t Caused by the Accident”
The main causation defense. Defense argues alternative causes for the diagnosed internal injuries.
“The Injury Was Pre-Existing”
Prior medical issues are used by defense. The aggravation rule applies.
“Plaintiff Delayed Treatment”
Defense argues plaintiff didn’t seek medical care quickly enough. This defense is problematic given the delayed-onset nature of internal injuries.
“The Severity Is Exaggerated”
Defense disputes the severity of internal injuries.
“Comparative Fault”
“You contributed too”.
Critical Steps After an Incident That May Cause Internal Injuries
Get Emergency Medical Attention Immediately
Even with no obvious symptoms, prompt medical evaluation is absolutely critical.
Internal injuries don’t always produce immediate symptoms.
Don’t Refuse Medical Transport
Even when feeling fine, accepting medical transport allows for proper evaluation.
Allow Comprehensive Trauma Evaluation
Trauma assessments include internal injury screening to identify hidden damage.
Don’t Refuse Imaging
CT scans and other imaging can detect internal injuries that aren’t yet symptomatic.
Document All Symptoms Over Time
Symptoms emerge over time. Document any new symptoms when they emerge.
Track Vital Signs
For known internal injuries, watch for warning indicators: weakness.
Don’t Sign Releases Quickly
Carriers want quick resolution. The full damages picture takes time to develop.
Attorney Costs
Counsel experienced with internal injury claims earn fees only on recovery. Expert costs are substantial paid by counsel.
Move Quickly
Internal injury cases require prompt action.
Prompt medical attention matters significantly. Continued documentation of evolving symptoms builds the damages case.
Filing deadlines continues running.
Connecting with a Ardmore internal injury attorney quickly positions the case for the substantial recovery internal injuries can produce.