Internal Bleeding: The Hidden Dangers and Long-Term Consequences

Recent research suggests that 60,000 Americans die of trauma-related internal bleeding each year. Given the shocking prevalence of traumatic accidents in the United States and around the world, internal bleeding poses a very real risk to accident victims from all walks of life. These injuries can be silently devastating and lead to major long-term health challenges.

Because internal bleeding symptoms can develop slowly and unexpectedly, it’s important for Memphis residents to familiarize themselves with some of the hallmark signs of internal bleeding to protect themselves in the event of an accident. Here’s a brief overview of some of the signs and symptoms of internal bleeding and an exploration of the role a personal injury attorney can play in helping trauma victims preserve their health and protect their rights after a life-changing accident.

What is internal bleeding?

Internal bleeding is an adverse medical event that occurs when blood leaks from blood vessels into the body. As opposed to lacerations and other external wounds, internal bleeding occurs inside the body and may not be easily detectable to the naked eye. Internal bleeding commonly occurs in the head, chest, abdomen, or pelvis, but blood vessels can burst and leak just about anywhere, leading to dangerous and potentially fatal consequences.

In traumatic accidents, organs like the spleen, liver, and kidneys can be especially vulnerable to internal bleeding. That’s because accidents involving some kind of forceful impact can directly damage blood vessels and cause serious health complications. The medical consequences of internal bleeding are often further exacerbated by delays in care, as pervasive bleeding can become harder to treat and lead to extensive and irreversible organ damage.

What causes internal bleeding?

Internal bleeding can occur for a variety of reasons, with different types of bleeding requiring specific kinds of medical intervention. Some of the most common causes of internal bleeding include:

• Gastrointestinal conditions
• Aneurysms
• Post-surgery complications
• Trauma
• Bone fractures
• Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs)

Though internal bleeding often occurs as the direct result of trauma, it can also be an indirect result of trauma, as some kinds of medical intervention may exacerbate the risk of internal hemorrhage. Time is of the essence when it comes to treating internal bleeding, so it’s important for accident victims to understand and monitor themselves for some of the symptoms commonly associated with this potentially catastrophic condition.

How to tell if you’re bleeding internally

In the moments, hours, and days after a traumatic accident, it is important to pay attention to any symptoms that might indicate internal bleeding. Early medical intervention is crucial to improve outcomes in cases of traumatic hemorrhages, so you’ll want to keep an eye out for warning signs like:

• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Fainting
• Fatigue and weakness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Shortness of breath or coughing up blood
• Increased heart rate
• Abdominal pain or swelling
• Unexplained bruising
• Confusion, memory loss, slurred speech, or vision changes (especially after a head injury)
• Blood in urine, stool, or vomit

Because these symptoms can mimic less serious issues, it’s always best to err on the side of caution after an accident. Trust your gut, and don’t ignore any new or worsening symptoms after experiencing a physical trauma.

When to seek medical attention

Even if you don’t immediately experience any of the symptoms above after an accident, it is highly recommended that anyone who experiences a physical trauma seek immediate medical evaluation. The reason for this is two-fold:

1. Internal bleeding is not always immediately apparent after an accident, with many victims reporting their symptoms developing and worsening over time. While it might be tempting to assume you are in the clear based on an apparent lack of symptoms, seeking urgent or emergency medical care can help head off any potential complications that may arise as a result of hidden internal bleeding.
2. If you plan on filing any sort of personal injury, workers’ compensation, or car accident claim related to your accident, it’s important not to delay medical care. Delaying care may lead insurance companies or defense teams to claim that your accident-related injuries weren’t as serious as you’ve claimed, since they did not warrant urgent medical intervention. Similarly, delaying medical care can result in additional medical complications that at-fault parties and their representatives will claim are the result of your own inaction.

Seeking immediate medical attention after an accident is the best way to protect your health and preserve the integrity of your future personal injury claim. Even if your medical evaluation does not reveal any internal bleeding or other serious injuries, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to dangerous conditions like traumatic hemorrhaging.

What if my internal bleeding was caused by someone else?

While we all hope that the people and organizations around us are taking adequate steps to ensure the health and safety of others, the unfortunate reality is that many traumatic accidents occur as a result of someone else’s negligence. Under Tennessee law, an alleged at-fault party in an accident claim may be considered negligent if they owed the injured party a legal duty of care; violated that duty of care through their actions or inaction, directly caused identifiable harm to the injured party by violating their duty of care, resulting in damages.

When these conditions are met, injured victims may be within their rights to file a claim for compensation. This legal option can be particularly vital for victims of internal bleeding, as the severity of these injuries can lead to pervasive, long-term consequences.

Between medical expenses, reduced capacity to work, and emotional pain and suffering, many survivors of traumatic hemorrhages find themselves struggling to recover physically, emotionally, and financially for months or even years after an accident. Filing a legal claim for compensation can empower victims with the funds they need to pay for quality healthcare while addressing the personal and emotional toll of a serious, traumatic accident.

Have you suffered accident-related internal bleeding?

If you or a loved one has experienced internal bleeding as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may have grounds to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim. At Greer Injury Lawyers, we focus on helping accident victims in Memphis and the surrounding areas fight for their rights while prioritizing their recovery.

Whether you were the victim of a motor vehicle crash, workplace accident, slip-and-fall, or other traumatic event, our experienced team of personal injury lawyers can help you collect evidence, build a claim, and fight for the compensation you need to move forward.

Give us a call today or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team. We’re standing by to listen to your story, advise you of your options, and help you take the necessary steps to secure your health and future.