Signs You Might Have an Internal Injury

When most people think of serious, accident-related injuries, they think of broken bones, torn ligaments, and deep lacerations. And while these are common in many types of accidents, they aren’t the only type of injury that victims have to worry about.

Some accidents can also cause injuries that don’t cause immediate symptoms and are difficult or even impossible to detect with the naked eye. However, they have the potential to be just as, if not more, dangerous than visible or immediately symptomatic injuries. They’re called internal injuries, and they can affect everything from the brain and other internal organs to blood vessels and the nervous system.

It’s important to get treatment right away if you suspect you have an internal injury, but knowing if you have one isn’t always obvious. In this blog, we explore some common signs that an internal injury has occurred, how to treat it, and how an experienced personal injury lawyer can help.

What Are Common Causes of Internal Injuries?

Internal injuries can happen with or without external injuries to the body. While these injuries can occur during everyday activities, they’re most commonly the result of high-impact or forceful events. Understanding the common causes can help you stay alert and know when to seek medical attention.

Here are some of the most frequent causes of internal injuries:

• Car Accidents: Even when seat belts and airbags function properly, the intense force of a crash can cause blunt trauma to the chest, abdomen, or head, leading to injuries like internal bleeding, organ damage, or brain trauma.
• Slips and Falls: Whether it’s a slip on a wet floor or a fall from a height, landing with force can injure internal organs, especially in the elderly or people with underlying health conditions.
• Sports Injuries: Contact sports like football, hockey, or boxing often involve high-speed collisions or blows that can damage internal organs, particularly the spleen, liver, or kidneys.
• Physical Assault: Punches, kicks, or other violent acts can cause significant trauma beneath the skin, leading to bleeding or damaged organs.
• Workplace Accidents: Jobs that involve heavy machinery, high platforms, or hazardous materials can present a higher risk of internal injuries due to crushing, falling, or being struck by objects.

What Are Common Signs of an Internal Injury?

Internal injuries can be difficult to identify because they don’t always have visible symptoms—at least, not right away. However, the body often gives off warning signs that something is wrong beneath the surface. Recognizing these signs early could be the difference between a minor issue and a life-threatening emergency.

Signs of internal injuries include:

• Abdominal Pain or Swelling: Persistent or worsening pain in the abdomen can be a sign of internal bleeding or organ damage. Swelling may also indicate fluid buildup or bleeding.
• Deep, Intense Bruising: Unusual or severe bruising, particularly around the chest, abdomen, or back, could point to bleeding underneath the skin or trauma to underlying organs.
• Dizziness or Fainting: A sudden drop in blood pressure due to internal bleeding can make you feel lightheaded or cause you to faint.
• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing can indicate damage to the lungs, ribcage, or diaphragm, or may be a sign of internal bleeding putting pressure on the lungs.
• Cold, Pale, or Clammy Skin: These can be signs of shock, which may result from significant blood loss inside the body.
• Unexplained Nausea or Vomiting: These symptoms may suggest internal damage to the stomach or gastrointestinal tract.
• Blood in Urine or Stool: This can signal internal bleeding in the kidneys, bladder, or intestines.
• Confusion or Loss of Consciousness: Head injuries can lead to internal bleeding in the brain, which may present as mental fog, slurred speech, or unconsciousness.

What Should You Do if You Suspect an Internal Injury?

It’s important to act right away if you suspect you’ve suffered an internal injury. These injuries can become life-threatening if left untreated, and they can worsen quickly.

Here’s what you should do if you have any of the symptoms listed above:

• Get Immediate Medical Attention: Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Don’t try to “tough it out” or wait to see if the symptoms go away.
• Follow Up With Your Doctor: Even if you were treated in the ER, make sure to attend any follow-up appointments and follow their directions as closely as possible. Some internal injuries can worsen over time, especially when injured victims try to do too much when they should be resting.
• Document Everything: If the injury was caused by an accident, try to gather as much information as possible about the incident, including photos, witness contact info, and medical records.
• Call a Lawyer: Injuries can be expensive, especially internal injuries. Getting compensation requires acting quickly and having experienced legal representation on your side as soon as possible.

Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyers Today

If your internal injury occurred because of a car crash, slip and fall, workplace accident, or any other situation caused by someone else’s negligence, the legal team at Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers can help you get maximum compensation.

We know what you’re going through, and it’s our goal to give you peace of mind during this difficult time. Contact us today for a free case review.