Internal Bleeding: Invisible Injuries

By Dallas Personal Injury Attorney on October 11, 2020

Accidents happen. A car accident, physical assault, or a slip or trip and fall can leave you injured and in pain. You may recognize the signs of a broken bone, a deep bruise, or a twisted ankle, but what you may not initially realize is that you have suffered internal trauma. Specifically, internal bleeding. Internal bleeding is invisible to the naked eye, but if left undetected and untreated, it can lead to permanent disability or even death.

The Dangers of Internal Bleeding

Blunt force trauma occurs when part of your body collides with any other object at high speed, such as in a car collision or pedestrian accident, causing damage to blood vessels or the internal organs, and is not visible on the body surface. A broken bone, laceration, or other wound is visible, but you may have suffered significant internal damage and bleeding. The extreme force applied to your body can easily cause blood vessels, such as veins, capillaries, and arteries, to tear or rip, allowing blood to leak into different cavities in your body. Essentially, you begin to bleed out without physically losing any blood.

If you can’t see it, they can’t treat it. Without a bleed or a visible wound, many injuries are not readily apparent in an evaluation by a medical professional at the ER, doctor, or clinic. When untreated, blood can pool around vital organs, causing pressure to the brain, lungs, heart, or abdominal organs such as the spleen or liver. A drastic drop in blood pressure can leave you feeling dizzy, confused, or lead to loss of consciousness and the risk of a fall. Minor internal bleeding may heal naturally, but more extensive internal bleeding requires immediate medical attention and can be fatal.

Symptoms of Internal Bleeding

After an accident, you must undergo a thorough medical evaluation. Internal bleeding is typically identified with an imaging test. These tests must be performed if you have specific symptoms.

Symptoms of internal head injuries: Head trauma lends itself to sudden and severe headaches. Internal bleeding in your skull can also cause weakness and numbness, often on one side of your body. You may experience loss of balance and focus, along with difficulty swallowing, chewing, and speaking. If you feel changes in your ability to stay alert and focused or lost consciousness in an accident, seek medical help immediately.

Symptoms of internal injuries in the abdomen or chest: Feeling dizzy upon standing, combined with shortness of breath or chest pain, could signify internal damage within your chest cavity. The same goes for any nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain in your stomach. You may have seen an ER doctor, only to realize bruises are showing up hours or days later. Be alert to any bruising developing on your sides or around your navel. Inform the physician immediately if you experience blood in your urine or stool.

Symptoms of internal injuries in muscles and joints: Decreased range of motion coupled with pain and swelling in your joints could be a direct result of a slip-and-fall, a car accident, motorcycle accident, truck accident, bicycle accident, or pedestrian accident. These symptoms may indicate internal bleeding in the muscles or joints that must be treated immediately.

Your doctor will need to order diagnostic and imaging tests to reveal the extent of your injuries. In some cases, emergency surgery is necessary. The source of internal bleeding must be identified and treated, or the bleeding may result in severe or life-threatening complications.

Contact Our Dallas Internal Bleeding Injury Lawyers

Medical bills can pile up after an accident that requires multiple doctor visits, many tests, and medical treatments such as emergency surgery. If your accident was the result of another person’s reckless or negligent behavior, The Lenahan Law Firm should evaluate your case to determine if a claim or lawsuit is possible. When we take a case involving internal bleeding, our experienced Dallas internal bleeding attorneys could assist you to pursue justice and compensation for all damages. Call (214) 295-1008 and schedule a consultation.