Recovering Damages for Internal Trauma in Claremore, OK
Internal injuries are uniquely dangerous. They may not show obvious external signs. Symptoms can be delayed by hours, days, or even weeks. Delayed treatment can result in death. An attorney familiar with these distinctive cases builds cases around the actual extent of harm internal injuries cause.
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’re easily missed.
The body can absorb significant force with limited visible evidence.
Delayed Symptom Onset
Internal bleeding may not produce immediate symptoms. Symptoms may emerge hours, days, or even weeks after the underlying trauma.
This delayed onset:
- Requires immediate medical attention even when feeling fine
- Creates challenges for insurance claims tied to “the obvious moment”
- Permits internal injuries to develop critically before recognition
Hidden Damage Affects Vital Systems
Internal injuries affect essential bodily systems:
- The cardiovascular system
- Breathing function
- Stomach, intestines, and gastrointestinal function
- The urinary system
- Reproductive organs
- Hormone-producing organs
Internal Injuries Can Be Life-Threatening
Death is possible without prompt treatment. Internal trauma can quickly become life-threatening.
Common Internal Injuries
Internal Bleeding (Hemorrhage)
Internal hemorrhage is particularly dangerous.
Internal bleeding can develop in:
- The chest cavity (hemothorax)
- Abdominal bleeding
- Retroperitoneal bleeding
- Bleeding within organ structures
- Intracranial hemorrhage
- Within tissue planes
Untreated internal bleeding can cause hypovolemic shock with potentially fatal consequences.
Solid Organ Injuries
Splenic Injuries
The spleen is frequently injured. Splenic damage produces serious bleeding. May require splenectomy.
Liver Injuries
Liver injuries are common in significant trauma. Hepatic injuries produce significant hemorrhage.
Kidney Injuries
Renal injuries varies in severity. Affects renal function long-term.
Pancreatic Injuries
Pancreatic injuries can be challenging to identify. Produces serious complications.
Hollow Organ Injuries
Bowel Perforations
Intestinal perforation cause peritonitis. These need emergency surgery.
Stomach Injuries
Gastric injury is less common but serious.
Bladder Injuries
Urinary bladder trauma happens in significant pelvic trauma.
Chest Injuries
Pulmonary Contusion
Lung contusion can cause significant breathing problems.
Pneumothorax
Collapsed lung is potentially fatal.
Hemothorax
Hemothorax requires immediate treatment.
Cardiac Injuries
Heart damage leads to cardiac complications. Tamponade is life-threatening.
Aortic Injury
Aortic injury is among the most lethal injuries.
Diaphragm Injuries
Diaphragm rupture allows abdominal contents to enter the chest.
Pelvic Injuries
Pelvic damage can involve bone fractures combined with internal organ damage.
Common Causes of Internal Injuries
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Vehicle accidents cause many internal injury cases.
The forces in vehicle crashes affect internal structures, producing direct and crushing injuries.
Falls
Falls from height generate internal damage.
Pedestrian and Cyclist Accidents
Vulnerable road user impacts generate internal injuries.
Workplace Accidents
Construction site accidents generate internal damage.
Crush Injuries
Crush injuries from vehicles, machinery, or structures cause severe internal damage.
Penetrating Injuries
Penetrating injuries generate organ-specific damage.
Sports and Recreational Injuries
Recreational injuries can cause internal injuries.
Medical Negligence
Medical procedures gone wrong can cause internal injuries.
Defective Products
Product malfunctions can cause internal injuries.
Why Internal Injury Cases Get Minimized
“It Doesn’t Look That Bad”
With minimal external signs, insurers minimize the harm.
This skepticism persists.
“The Other Driver Was Fine”
Other parties’ apparent intact condition is exploited by insurers.
Delayed Diagnosis
Late diagnoses create timing-related challenges.
Defense leverages other potential causes.
Lack of Public Awareness
People don’t understand the delayed onset issue allows insurer minimization.
How Internal Injury Cases Get Built
Immediate Medical Documentation
Emergency room evaluation and admission establish the medical case from the start.
Imaging Studies
Diagnostic imaging reveal internal damage.
Surgical Findings
Operative findings provide direct documentation.
Treating Physician Testimony
Treating doctors establish the medical foundation.
Medical Records of Delayed Diagnoses
For delayed diagnoses, the medical records establishing the connection matter enormously.
Expert Medical Testimony
Specialty medical experts establish causation.
Patient Symptom Tracking
Documentation of the development of symptoms establishes the connection.
Damages in Internal Injury Cases
Recoverable losses include include:
- Emergency medical care
- Operating costs
- Hospital stays
- Intensive care unit costs
- Future surgical costs
- Ongoing medical care
- Past and future income loss
- Permanent occupational limitations
- Non-economic damages
- Spousal damages
- Wrongful death and survivor damages
- Exemplary damages where conduct was egregious
Long-Term Consequences
Internal injuries often have long-term consequences:
Permanent Organ Damage
Permanently damaged organs produce long-term consequences.
Splenectomy Consequences
Removed spleens creates lifelong infection risk.
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 create chronic pain conditions.
Common Insurance Defenses
“The Injury Wasn’t Caused by the Accident”
The main causation defense. “Something else caused this”.
“The Injury Was Pre-Existing”
Past medical history are used by defense. Aggravation is compensable.
“Plaintiff Delayed Treatment”
Defense argues plaintiff didn’t seek medical care quickly enough. This defense has limitations given the delayed-onset nature of internal injuries.
“The Severity Is Exaggerated”
“The injury wasn’t that bad”.
“Comparative Fault”
“You contributed too”.
Critical Steps After an Incident That May Cause Internal Injuries
Get Emergency Medical Attention Immediately
Even when you feel fine, same-day medical assessment is mandatory.
Initial symptom absence doesn’t mean no injury.
Don’t Refuse Medical Transport
Even without obvious injuries, EMS documentation supports the case.
Allow Comprehensive Trauma Evaluation
Trauma evaluations include imaging to detect internal injuries.
Don’t Refuse Imaging
Diagnostic imaging find internal injuries before they become critical.
Document All Symptoms Over Time
Internal injury symptoms can develop slowly. Track all symptoms as they occur.
Track Vital Signs
For internal trauma, watch for warning indicators: weakness.
Don’t Sign Releases Quickly
Adjusters move fast. The full extent of internal injury damages often isn’t apparent for months.
Attorney Costs
Lawyers handling these cases earn fees only on recovery. Expert costs are substantial paid by counsel.
Move Quickly
Time pressure on these cases is real.
Prompt medical attention builds the case foundation. Ongoing symptom tracking builds the damages case.
The legal time limit applies regardless.
Engaging counsel right away positions the case for the substantial recovery internal injuries can produce.