Internal organ damage can be one of the most life threatening types of injuries due to the fragility of organs and their tendency to bleed heavily. Furthermore, direct pressure does not work to reduce blood loss as it would in an exterior wound. When damage is severe enough, the ability of that organ’s functionality in the future may be compromised. While internal organ damage is rare due to the protective nature of the ribcage, serious injury can still happen in very traumatic car accidents. Organs can be damaged when ribs are splintered and cause puncture wounds, when a blunt force is hard enough to cause damage to an unprotected segment of an organ, or when a foreign object enters the abdomen and severs a vital blood vessel or the organs themselves. If you or a loved one have suffered internal abdominal organ damage, contact an experienced Georgia car accident attorney today for a free consultation.
Liver Trauma is the Most Lethal
The liver is more vulnerable than any other organ due to its large size and location in the upper right of the abdomen, according to a 2011 study. Its large blood supply makes it prone to bleeding if injured, making bleeding to death a risk if the trauma is severe enough and the time to get to the hospital is prolonged. And, of course, the liver is a vital organ, unlike the pancreas, and it cannot be removed without a transplant.
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Damage to the Spleen
The spleen is another serious injury-prone organ due to its large blood supply. However, the risk of fatality is less for spleen damage than for liver damage. The spleen is protected by the ribs, though a fractured rib bone can puncture the spleen or slice through a large blood-supplying vessel.
Pancreas Injuries
Pancreas damage is not common, and usually not fatal. However, pancreatic damage is difficult to diagnose, according to a study done in 2010. While bleeding can be an issue for a victim of pancreatic injury, a more likely threat to their life is the complications of infection. A burst appendix, which in most cases is not caused by car trauma, can lead to sepsis. One of the most visible signs of pancreatic injury is the buildup of fluid surrounding the organ.
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The Kidneys are Mostly Protected by the Ribcage
The kidneys are mostly protected by the ribcage, though the segments below the ribcage are prone to blunt impact injury. A damaged kidney may result in blood in the urine, which is a sign to get to the hospital immediately.
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Bowel Punctures are Incredibly Risky
While bleeding to death is unlikely when a bowel is injured, the risk of infection is great. Any time the intestines are punctured, bacteria can enter the rest of the body and cause serious infection that can lead to fatality. Damage to the bowels may result in bowel obstruction, abscesses, fistula formation, and infection. If you have been injured in a car accident, contact an experienced Georgia car accident attorney today with the Law Offices of Roger Ghai, P.C. today to discuss your personal injury claim.
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