spleen injury

Spleen Injuries After a Car Crash

Car accidents can result in many different types of bodily injuries, including spleen injuries. Spleen is a critically important organ located in the upper left corner of the abdominal region. It works to filter old blood cells and fight infections.

Spleen injuries are almost always serious in nature. In fact, a ruptured spleen may result in a fatality. You should not have to suffer the devastating consequences of a spleen injury on your own.

Speak with an experienced and competent car accident attorney in Alabama if your auto accident and injury occurred because of the negligence or recklessness of another driver.

Types of Spleen Injuries in Alabama Car Accidents

The spleen is located right under the rib cage. Any trauma to the spleen, such as a ruptured spleen may cause chest concerns. It’s common for the stomach or chest to sustain a severe blow following a car accident. The spleen or its outer covering may get injured and torn during the impact, which may result in blood flowing into the abdomen.

There are three different severity levels for spleen injuries:

  • Bruised spleen
  • Enlarged spleen
  • Ruptured spleen

Internal bleeding can be caused when the surface of the spleen is ruptured. The spleen may get punctured by a broken rib or get damaged in the harsh impact of a car accident. In most cases, surgery is required for stopping internal bleeding, which may prove to be fatal. In fact, doctors may even attempt at removing the organ completely to save the patient’s life.

The spleen is an essential component of the immune system. You can live without it, but you would put yourself at a higher risk of infections.

Signs and Symptoms of a Spleen Injury

Injury symptoms don’t necessarily present themselves right away. This makes it vital to identify the warning signs of a ruptured spleen. You may suffer from the following:

  • Dizziness, light-headedness, confusion, or lost consciousness
  • Blurred vision
  • Vomiting and nausea
  • Pain in the left shoulder
  • Pain or tenderness in the upper left abdomen

Internal bleeding is the most common complication of a ruptured spleen. It may cause blood clots and cysts. Minor tears usually heal on their own. However, larger injuries have the potential to result in fatal hemorrhaging.

Hematoma can be formed by blood collecting in the spleen or under its covering. It may take days or even months following the injury. A ruptured spleen may result in life-threatening internal bleeding without emergency treatment.

An attorney can get started on your car accident claim right away so that you don’t need to suffer because of financial constraints.

Receiving Medical Attention for an Injured Spleen

It’s possible that your spleen is injured without any outward or noticeable signs and symptoms. You may not experience anything immediately following the accident. Hence, you should never deny being evaluated by a medical professional. Medical responders will assess your injuries and recommend the safest and best treatment approach.

An injured spleen can heal on its own with bed rest and blood transfusion if the damage is not extensive. Taking this into account, serious ruptures may require immediate surgery for putting a stop to the bleeding. A severely damaged spleen may need to be removed or repaired.

A ruptured spleen can be treated by spending a few days in the hospital in some cases. Severe instances will require you to undergo treatment for fixing the issue.

These are the common treatment options for fixing an injured spleen:

  • Repair: Your doctors will try to repair the spleen if the injury is minimal. This is done by suturing the injured organ. However, it is an invasive and risky surgical procedure.
  • Removing a portion: The surgeon may try to salvage the organ by removing only a portion of the spleen. This is known as partial splenectomy.
  • Complete removal: Your surgeon may need to remove the organ completely in a procedure known as splenectomy if it doesn’t stop hemorrhaging. You will need to be careful of infection following the splenectomy.

The spleen is an integral part of the immune system and performs important functions. You will be at a higher risk of catching serious infections following a splenectomy.

You should consider getting vaccinated for common diseases, such as pneumonia and the flu. Your doctor may recommend preventing antibiotics for reducing the risk of contracting infections.

Spleen injuries are an unpleasant experience. You shouldn’t have to face the consequences of a car accident on your own. A proven and stellar attorney should be able to help you recover the costs of medical expenses, recovery, lost wages, and pain and suffering among others.

Legal Help is Here from Reputable Car Accident Attorneys in Alabama

Did you suffer a spleen injury in a car accident caused by the recklessness or negligence of another driver? Recovery may be several months depending on the extent of treatment and injury. This could mean extended periods of pain and suffering, lost income, and mounting medical bills for your treatment and rehab.

The experienced team of personal injury attorneys at Smith Law Firm is ready to fight for the financial compensation you rightfully deserve from the at-fault parties. To request your free and confidential consultation, call us at 334-377-1674 or complete this online form.