Organ Perforation Injury

Damage to internal organs can occur from penetrating or blunt trauma. Organ perforation injuries after a motor vehicle accident are among the most dangerous types of harm because they are initially difficult to detect. Oftentimes there are no outward symptoms that indicate a spleen or liver has been punctured and is bleeding until the situation becomes life-threatening. 

Signs of organ perforation might not be evident right away, but it is imperative to seek medical attention after any type of collision, fall, or penetrating trauma.  In the event that negligence played a role in your suffering, a Los Angeles accident lawyer will seek appropriate compensation from those who are liable. Ellis Injury Law is renowned for providing aggressive representation in claims stemming from: 

  • Collisions between passenger vehicles and 18-wheelers 
  • Construction injuries from heavy machinery 
  • Product liability – defective medical devices and consumer products 
  • Hazardous work environments 

Types of organ injuries caused by car wrecks 

Seat belts save thousands of lives every day, but evidence shows that these devices also have the potential to harm during a car accident. Seat belts help decelerate the vehicle’s occupants but can increase the risk of intra-abdominal and gastrointestinal injury. Perforations of the intestines and bowel are a possible injury associated with “seat belt syndrome.” 

Both blunt and penetrating trauma to organs can occur when vehicle occupants are struck by debris from the collision, or ejected from the vehicle entirely. The following organs are most susceptible to tears, perforation, and damage during a crash: 

  • Spleen: Part of the lymphatic system, the spleen can rupture from the impact of a collision, requiring surgery.  
  • Kidneys:  Motor vehicle crashes are the number one cause of kidney trauma, which can only be diagnosed with CT scans and ultrasound.  
  • Liver:  Liver tissue can be lacerated or ruptured, resulting in bile leakage and hemorrhaging. Blood transfusions or surgery are usually required. 
  • Lungs: Fractured ribs can puncture a lung (known as pneumothorax), causing it to collapse.  Mild cases can heal on their own, but large punctures may need a chest tube or surgery. 
  • Stomach: A gastric perforation has one of the worst mortality rates of all organ perforation injuries.  
  • Pancreas: Blunt or perforating pancreatic injuries are rare, but associated with severe complications including gastrointestinal bleeding, peritonitis, and splenic vein thrombosis. 
  • Bladder: When the pelvis is fractured, occupants are at risk for intraperitoneal bladder rupture. 

Possible symptoms of an organ perforation 

Organ perforation injuries are a serious medical situation and may prove fatal unless prompt intervention is taken. Possible signs and symptoms of a perforated organ include: 

  • Abdominal pain 
  • Blood in the urine 
  • Low blood pressure 
  • Constipation 
  • Distended stomach 
  • Nausea 
  • Fever 
  • Extensive bruising  
  • Shortness of breath 
  • Rapid heart rate 
  • Pale skin 

Dedicated to our client’s recovery 

High-impact collisions, especially those involving heavy commercial trucks, tend to result in catastrophic injuries including gastrointestinal perforation. These injuries require costly medical treatment along with extensive time off of work, leaving victims and their loved ones in a precarious financial situation.   

Victims may be entitled to legal compensation if it can be shown that negligence was a factor. Seek maximum reimbursement for your organ perforation injury with an accident lawyer at Ellis Injury Law. Contact our office 24/7 to schedule a free, no-obligation case review.