Recovering Damages for Pelvic Trauma in Broken Arrow, OK
Few injuries combine the systemic complications of pelvic trauma. The pelvic region contains essential anatomy. It supports the entire upper body. When the pelvis is injured, the consequences extend far beyond the pelvic bones themselves. Internal organs in the pelvic region can be catastrophically damaged. Multiple body functions can be permanently impaired. A Broken Arrow pelvic injury attorney brings expertise in this distinctive area of catastrophic injury law.
Why Pelvic Injuries Are Distinctive
The Pelvis Houses Critical Organs
The pelvic region houses urinary structures, the rectum and lower bowel, reproductive organs, major blood vessels, nerve structures.
Pelvic Bones Form a Ring
Pelvic anatomy is ring-like. This ring-like configuration tends to break in multiple places.
Pelvic Fractures Carry High Mortality Risk
Pelvic fractures from high-energy trauma are associated with mortality. Internal bleeding from torn vessels in the pelvis leads to fatal blood loss.
Major Force Required for Severe Pelvic Injury
Severe pelvic fractures typically require major force. Severe pelvic injury usually implies major trauma.
Long-Term Functional Consequences Are Common
Long-term impairment is typical.
Categories of Pelvic Injuries
Pelvic Ring Fractures
Pelvic ring damage are the most common pelvic injuries.
Stable Pelvic Fractures
Non-displacement fractures. Treatment is typically conservative.
Unstable Pelvic Fractures
Displaced fractures. Treatment typically requires surgical fixation.
Open Book Fractures
Anterior pelvic fractures. Pelvic opening fracture pattern. These cause catastrophic internal injuries.
Lateral Compression Fractures
Compression fractures from lateral force result from lateral force.
Vertical Shear Fractures
Vertical displacement fractures are particularly severe. Caused by significant trauma.
Acetabular Fractures
Acetabular fractures affect the hip joint. These produce major hip dysfunction.
Sacrum and Coccyx Fractures
Sacrum fractures can occur with pelvic trauma.
Pubic Symphysis Disruption
Pubic symphysis occurs in pelvic trauma.
Sacroiliac Joint Injuries
Disruption of the joints connecting the sacrum to the pelvis.
Concurrent Injuries
Pelvic injuries often involve injuries to:
Bladder Injuries
Bladder ruptures or contusions are common in pelvic trauma.
Urethral Injuries
Urethral disruption can occur, particularly in men. Lasting urinary issues.
Bowel Injuries
Bowel injuries from pelvic trauma necessitate surgery.
Reproductive Organ Injuries
Reproductive organ damage can affect fertility, sexual function, and reproductive health.
Vascular Injuries
Iliac vessels can be damaged in pelvic trauma. Pelvic vascular damage is life-threatening.
Nerve Injuries
Lumbosacral plexus may be injured, impairing motor and sensory function.
Spinal Injuries
Lower spinal injuries frequently occur with pelvic injuries.
Femur Fractures
Thigh bone fractures often occur with pelvic injuries.
Hip Injuries
Hip injuries can accompany pelvic trauma.
Common Causes of Pelvic Injuries
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Vehicle accidents produce many pelvic injuries.
Side-impact crashes target the pelvic region.
Falls From Height
Falls onto hard surfaces from significant height produce devastating pelvic injuries.
Pedestrian Crashes
Pedestrians struck by vehicles frequently produce pelvic damage.
Crush Injuries
Crush trauma can cause catastrophic pelvic damage.
Workplace Injuries
Construction site accidents can cause pelvic injuries.
Treatment for Pelvic Injuries
Initial Stabilization
Pelvic injury patients often require emergency stabilization.
Initial treatment involves:
- Pelvic binder application
- Transfusions for blood loss
- Surgical control of hemorrhage
- Vascular embolization to control bleeding
Surgical Fixation
Many pelvic fractures require surgical fixation.
Surgical options include:
- External fixation (external frames stabilizing the pelvis)
- Internal fixation
Surgical Repair of Concurrent Injuries
Urinary repair, urethral repair (often complex), Bowel surgery, reproductive organ repair, Blood vessel repair.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is extensive.
Rehabilitation typically spans over an extended period.
Long-Term Care
Long-term care is common, particularly for bladder, bowel, sexual, or reproductive complications.
Damages in Pelvic Injury Cases
Compensation in these cases include:
Medical Costs
- Emergency and trauma center care
- Surgery costs
- ICU and critical care
- Hospital stays
- Transfusions
- Embolization
- Pelvic surgical procedures
- Concurrent injury repair
- Reconstructive surgery
- Future medical care
- Rehabilitation
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
Recovery prevents return to work for significant periods.
Diminished earning capacity is common with pelvic injuries.
Pain and Suffering
Substantial physical pain.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Pelvic injuries often eliminate or restrict basic life activities.
Mental Health Damages
Depression and anxiety are common after pelvic injuries, particularly given the lifestyle and functional changes.
Reproductive and Sexual Function Damages
Pelvic injuries may damage:
- Reproductive capability
- Sexual function
- Future pregnancy problems
- Childbirth complications
- Erectile function in men
These warrant major compensation.
Loss of Consortium
Relationship effects are especially important for pelvic cases.
Wrongful Death
Catastrophic pelvic injuries can be fatal, supporting wrongful death claims.
Punitive Damages
Where conduct was particularly harmful, enhanced damages may apply.
Special Considerations for Reproductive and Sexual Function Damages
Fertility Damages
Fertility-affecting pelvic injuries generate major damages.
Sexual Function Damages
Sexual dysfunction can be substantial.
Pregnancy and Childbirth Complications
Birth complications from prior pelvic injury warrant specific compensation.
Stigma and Privacy Concerns
Reproductive and sexual function damages can carry stigma and privacy concerns. Sensitive presentation is important.
Common Insurance Defenses
“Pre-Existing Conditions”
Prior medical issues. The aggravation rule applies.
“The Injury Was Less Severe Than Reported”
Severity-based defenses.
“Functional Recovery Will Occur”
Defense argues complete recovery. This defense fails when long-term complications are documented.
“Reproductive/Sexual Issues Are Pre-Existing”
Pre-existing sexual function issues. This requires documentation of pre-accident function.
“Comparative Fault”
“You contributed too”.
Critical Steps After a Pelvic Injury
Get Immediate Emergency Medical Attention
Pelvic injuries require emergency medical care.
Get Imaging Studies
Pelvic CT, Plain films, MRI as appropriate.
Get Specialist Care
Multiple specialty involvement:
- Orthopedic specialists
- Trauma specialists
- Urology
- Gynecologic care
- Colorectal surgery
- Reproductive specialty care
Document Functional Impact
Track functional impact including All affected functions.
Document Sexual and Reproductive Function
Track sexual/reproductive function.
Get Mental Health Care
Mental health care matters given the functional changes pelvic injuries can produce.
Track Long-Term Complications
Long-term issues need tracking.
Don’t Sign Releases Without Counsel
Pelvic injuries have substantial long-term consequences. Early settlement substantially undervalues these cases.
Attorney Costs
Pelvic injury attorneys work on contingency. These cases require substantial investment in medical experts, life-care planners, and other specialists reimbursed from the recovery.
Move Quickly
These cases need quick attention.
Comprehensive ongoing documentation creates the strongest foundation.
Long-term complications and damages emerge over time.
OK’s statute of limitations continues running.
Getting an attorney involved promptly positions the case for the substantial recovery these injuries warrant.