Internal Injury Claims in Mustang, OK
Few injury categories combine the deceptive quiet of internal injuries with their potential for catastrophic outcomes. They may not show obvious external signs. Symptoms can be delayed by hours, days, or even weeks. 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 present with only minor visible signs. This makes them uniquely dangerous because they can go unrecognized.
The body can absorb significant force with limited visible evidence.
Delayed Symptom Onset
Internal bleeding can develop over hours. Symptoms may emerge hours, days, or even weeks after the underlying trauma.
Delayed symptom development:
- Necessitates prompt medical assessment
- Creates challenges for insurance claims tied to “the obvious moment”
- Lets internal injuries become severe before medical intervention
Hidden Damage Affects Vital Systems
Internal injuries affect essential bodily systems:
- Circulatory function
- Breathing function
- Digestion
- Kidneys and urinary tract
- Reproductive systems
- Endocrine function
Internal Injuries Can Be Life-Threatening
Internal trauma carries mortality risk. Internal injuries can become rapidly fatal.
Common Internal Injuries
Internal Bleeding (Hemorrhage)
Internal bleeding is among the most dangerous internal injuries.
Internal hemorrhage can affect:
- Chest bleeding
- The abdominal cavity
- Bleeding behind the abdominal cavity
- Bleeding within organ structures
- Intracranial hemorrhage
- Between organ layers
Unrecognized internal bleeding results in shock from blood loss and can be fatal.
Solid Organ Injuries
Splenic Injuries
The spleen is particularly vulnerable to abdominal trauma. Spleen rupture leads to significant bleeding. Often requires surgical removal of the spleen.
Liver Injuries
Liver injuries are common in significant trauma. Liver lacerations and ruptures can cause massive internal bleeding.
Kidney Injuries
Kidney damage can range from contusions to complete rupture. May cause chronic kidney problems.
Pancreatic Injuries
Pancreatic injuries is often particularly difficult to diagnose. Can cause severe complications.
Hollow Organ Injuries
Bowel Perforations
Intestinal perforation cause peritonitis. These need emergency surgery.
Stomach Injuries
Stomach perforation is less common but serious.
Bladder Injuries
Urinary bladder trauma can occur in pelvic trauma.
Chest Injuries
Pulmonary Contusion
Lung contusion impairs breathing.
Pneumothorax
Air in the pleural space can be life-threatening.
Hemothorax
Hemothorax needs urgent intervention.
Cardiac Injuries
Cardiac contusion can cause arrhythmias and other complications. Pericardial fluid compressing the heart requires immediate intervention.
Aortic Injury
Aortic damage is among the most lethal injuries.
Diaphragm Injuries
Diaphragmatic injury allows abdominal contents to enter the chest.
Pelvic Injuries
Pelvic injuries can involve combined fracture and internal injury.
Common Causes of Internal Injuries
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Auto accidents are leading causes of internal injuries.
Crash forces affect internal structures, producing direct and crushing injuries.
Falls
Falls onto hard surfaces cause internal trauma.
Pedestrian and Cyclist Accidents
Vehicle strikes of pedestrians and cyclists frequently cause internal damage.
Workplace Accidents
Workplace incidents produce internal injuries.
Crush Injuries
Crush incidents generate devastating internal trauma.
Penetrating Injuries
Stab wounds, gunshot wounds, and similar penetrating injuries generate organ-specific damage.
Sports and Recreational Injuries
Recreational injuries can cause internal injuries.
Medical Negligence
Healthcare-related internal damage can cause internal injuries.
Defective Products
Equipment failures can cause internal injuries.
Why Internal Injury Cases Get Minimized
“It Doesn’t Look That Bad”
Without visible injuries, insurance adjusters initially dismiss claims.
This skepticism persists.
“The Other Driver Was Fine”
Other parties’ apparent intact condition gets used against the plaintiff.
Delayed Diagnosis
Delayed diagnoses create timing-related challenges.
Defense leverages other potential causes.
Lack of Public Awareness
General lack of awareness allows insurer minimization.
How Internal Injury Cases Get Built
Immediate Medical Documentation
Trauma center evaluation provide the foundation.
Imaging Studies
Imaging studies document internal injuries.
Surgical Findings
Operative reports from emergency surgery reveal actual extent of injury.
Treating Physician Testimony
Treating doctors support the injury claim.
Medical Records of Delayed Diagnoses
For injuries diagnosed days or weeks after the accident, Records linking the accident to the diagnosis become critical.
Expert Medical Testimony
Trauma specialists, surgeons, and other expert medical witnesses connect the injury to the accident.
Patient Symptom Tracking
Documentation of the development of symptoms establishes the connection.
Damages in Internal Injury Cases
Compensation in these cases include:
- Initial emergency care
- Operating costs
- Hospital stays
- Intensive care unit costs
- Future surgical needs
- Ongoing medical care
- Past and future income loss
- Permanent occupational limitations
- Non-economic damages
- Spousal damages
- Compensation for fatal cases
- Punitive damages where conduct was egregious
Long-Term Consequences
Lasting consequences are typical:
Permanent Organ Damage
Organs that don’t fully recover produce long-term consequences.
Splenectomy Consequences
Removed spleens requires lifelong vaccinations and precautions.
Kidney Function Issues
Renal damage can result in chronic kidney disease.
Digestive Complications
Bowel injuries require ongoing management.
Reproductive Complications
Internal injuries involving reproductive organs produce reproductive consequences.
Chronic Pain
Some internal injuries cause chronic pain need ongoing pain management.
Common Insurance Defenses
“The Injury Wasn’t Caused by the Accident”
The main causation defense. Causation challenges.
“The Injury Was Pre-Existing”
Past medical history come up in defense arguments. The aggravation rule applies.
“Plaintiff Delayed Treatment”
“You should have gone to the hospital sooner”. This defense has limitations because of internal injury timing.
“The Severity Is Exaggerated”
Defense disputes the severity of internal injuries.
“Comparative Fault”
Defense pushes shared-fault arguments.
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 if you feel okay, EMS documentation supports the case.
Allow Comprehensive Trauma Evaluation
Trauma evaluations include imaging to find internal trauma.
Don’t Refuse Imaging
CT scans and other imaging find internal injuries before they become critical.
Document All Symptoms Over Time
Symptoms emerge over time. Record symptom development whenever they develop.
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
Lawyers handling these cases charge no upfront fees. Expert costs are substantial paid by counsel.
Move Quickly
These cases need quick attention.
Comprehensive medical care matters significantly. Ongoing symptom tracking is essential.
Filing deadlines sets a hard cutoff.
Connecting with a Mustang internal injury attorney quickly ensures comprehensive documentation.