Pedestrian accidents may result in outward injuries, such as lacerations and bruises. But they can also cause more serious injuries like internal bleeding or organ damage, especially when the impact has been significant. That’s why it’s always important to get checked out by a doctor no matter the appearance of the injuries and how you feel after the accident.
The types of internal injuries sustained depends on where the impact occurred, what caused the injury, and the severity. Brain damage is a common internal injury.
Even a concussion – which is a relatively mild form of brain injury – can lead to other complications, especially if the individual has already suffered multiple concussions. So it’s vital to have any head injury examined immediately.
Loss of consciousness often happens after a brain injury and this is very serious. The degree to which an individual loses consciousness and the duration of unconsciousness can vary. For instance, someone can be minimally conscious in that the person has some level of awareness. Or the individual could be in a coma, with no awareness and no ability to respond.
Simply falling unconscious is not the only repercussion of a brain injury, one could also suffer:
Another type of internal organ damage is an injury to the lungs, especially when the pedestrian’s chest sustains a significant impact. Pneumothorax is a condition in which the lung collapses. Depending on the severity, it may heal on its own or require surgery. Unfortunately, this type of injury makes the person susceptible to future injuries.
A ruptured spleen is another type of internal organ damage. Excessive internal bleeding can quickly turn this into a life-threatening injury. It can happen when a vehicle makes an impact on the left side of the person’s body, either in the lower chest area or upper abdomen.
Although it’s not common, a pedestrian’s injuries could include damage to the kidneys. This can happen when there’s significant trauma to the upper abdomen. Because of the large amount of blood they supply, internal bleeding can be especially dangerous.
Another organ that can sustain damage when an impact is made to the abdomen is the liver. As with most other internal organ injuries, it’s critical to stop any internal bleeding. Some do cease on their own, but others require surgery.
Internal injuries oftentimes require hospitalization and surgery. The recovery can be long, resulting in substantial medical bills. The patient may also miss a lot of work and, therefore, lose significant income. For these reasons alone, it’s important to consult an attorney.
In some cases, the victim could face months of rehabilitation. Or the injuries may result in permanent disability. An attorney can explain the types of compensation available in a pedestrian accident claim. Call the Law Office of Julie Johnson PLLC to discuss the specifics of your case – 214-290-8001.