Car Accident Spleen Injuries
Vehicle accident victims sometimes experience serious internal injuries, including damage to the spleen. A soft, spongy organ found under the left rib cage, the spleen is near the stomach.
It generates new red blood cells, stores extra blood until it’s needed, and contains white blood cells capable of destroying bacteria and fighting infection. Spleen injuries stemming from car accidents can lead to serious complications.
Spleen Ruptures
The spleen can rupture when the abdomen suffers a severe direct blow or blunt force trauma during a vehicle accident. This may occur immediately following the collision, or days or weeks after the accident.
The spleen is covered by a layer of tissue that protects it from injury, and breakage of this tissue allows blood to spill into the abdomen. Fatal complications can result from the abdominal cavity filling with blood, and the spleen may have to be surgically removed. Typical symptoms of a ruptured spleen include:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Lightheadedness
- Pain in the left shoulder and left side of the diaphragm
- Confusion
- Fainting
- Blurred vision
Receiving Medical Treatment
While these symptoms are typical of organ damage, it’s possible to suffer a spleen injury without experiencing any immediately obvious symptoms. Evaluation by a medical professional is the safest and best approach. If the damage is minimal, a ruptured spleen may be healed with blood transfusions and bed rest.
However, more serious ruptures can require immediate surgery to stop the bleeding, and a severely damaged spleen may have to be repaired or removed.
Protecting Your Right to Compensation
If you’ve suffered spleen injuries due to a vehicle collision, you deserve compensation for your medical costs, loss of income, physical impairment, and pain and suffering. An experienced vehicle accident attorney can identify the parties responsible for your injuries, obtain the evidence needed to prove your case, and help you receive the compensation you deserve.
To learn more, contact the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., by clicking the Live Chat button on this page.