Pelvic and Abdominal Injuries In a California Accident

The abdominal cavity is home to a number of organs that sit just above the pelvic cavity. Therefore, it’s not uncommon for these two sections of the body to be affected together in an accident. Pelvic and abdominal injuries are frightening consequences of a serious accident. According the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, roughly 5% of serious injuries sustained in a car accident are abdominal.

The organs that sit in the abdominal cavity play an important role in bodily function. Any abdominal or pelvic injuries should should not be taken lightly and immediate medical attention should be sought. Recovery from pelvic or abdominal injuries after a California accident is no cakewalk, but an experienced personal injury attorney can help by pursuing compensation for your losses.

Common Symptoms Of An Abdominal Injury

Abdominal trauma comprises a number of different injuries and thus could present itself in a variety of different symptoms. Symptoms of abdominal injury could include:

• Bruising
• Soreness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Blood loss
• Blood in urine
• Rapid heart rate
• Confusion or a low level of alertness
• Cold, clammy, pale or bluish skin
• Rapid breathing

Common Symptoms Of A Pelvic Injury

Pelvic injuries are typically characterized by pain and discomfort that worsens with movement. Other symptoms could include:

• Discomfort when standing
• Trouble urinating
• Feeling a numb or tingling sensation below the waste
• Unusual bleeding
• Difficulty walking

Types Of Pelvic & Abdominal Injuries

Unlike many important organs, abdominal organs are not protected by a hard skeleton. A lack of protection leaves your organs vulnerable to injury. More specifically, the spleen, liver, and kidneys are all very susceptible to injury. Common pelvic and abdominal injuries include:

• Pelvic fracture
• Intestinal tear
• Spleen injury
• Kidney injury
• Bladder injury

Delayed Abdominal Complications

Hematoma Rupture

Abdominal injury will often result in blood loss. Blood will begin to clot and form hematomas. The body is typically able to reabsorb blood, but the clots will sometimes rupture before they can be absorbed. Ruptures don’t have to occur immediately after injury. Ruptures can sometimes occur months later.

The rupture of a hematoma can be very serious. If a hematoma of the spleen or liver ruptured, the resulting blood loss into the abdominal cavity can be life-threatening. Intestinal contents can leak into the abdomen and cause peritonitis if ruptures occur along the wall of the intestine. Peritonitis can also be life-threatening if prompt medical attention is not received.

Intestinal Obstruction

Scar tissue can form after an abdominal injury heals or as a result of abdominal surgery. Scar tissue forms fibrous strands between loops of intestine. In most cases, the scar tissue causes no issues. However, in certain cases, a loop of intestine can get twisted under strands. The twisting of a loop can block the intestine, leading to abdominal pain and vomiting. In more severe cases, surgery may be required to remove the strands.

Intra-Abdominal Abscess

Abscess or a collection of pus can form within the abdominal cavity if injury to a hollow organ is not treated properly. Abscess can also build up as the body tries to repair after abdominal surgery. In certain cases, untreated abscess may damage nearby organs and blood vessels. Abscess will need to be drained and treated with antibiotics to fully heal.

Abdominal Compartment Syndrome

Like any part of the body, abdominal organs swell after sustaining injuries. The body is designed with enough room to sustain some swelling, but unchecked swelling increases the pressure applied on surrounding organs. Too much pressure can restrict blood supply, which will not only cause pain, but also damage the affected organ. Pressure related damage is known as abdominal compartment syndrome and can spread to affect the lungs, heart, kidneys, blood vessels, and central nervous system. Abdominal compartment syndrome significantly increases the risk of death and should be treated immediately.

Diagnosing Pelvic Or Abdominal Injuries

The diagnosis of abdominal or pelvic injuries will typically require a CT scan or x-rays. In some cases, a doctor may perform urinalysis to determine if an individual is suffering from blood loss. Exploratory surgery can be used to assess the full extent of the damage. In cases where abdominal injury is obvious and severe, victims will be sent straight to the operating room for exploratory surgery without first receiving any imaging.

Treatment Of Pelvic Or Abdominal Injuries

In severe cases, pelvic or abdominal injuries will be treated with surgery. Victims with minor pelvic fractures will likely be prescribed to rest with prescription painkillers for pain management. Doctors may also prescribe physical therapy for rehabilitation. Minor fractures can take anywhere from eight to twelve weeks to heal.

Contact Megeredchian Law For Legal Assistance

Receiving prompt medical treatment should always be the first priority after an accident, but obtaining legal advice is imperative. An experienced personal injury attorney can analyze your case to determine the full value of your settlement and fight on your behalf to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Megeredchian Law has helped California accident victims recover millions. Your results matter and we’ve been able to win cases with a 99% success rate (a rate many of our competitors don’t come close to reaching). Contact Megeredchian Law today to have your case reviewed by one of our personal injury attorneys in a free initial consultation.  Fill out a contact form or call (888) 243-2050.