A penetrating injury occurs when an object pierces the body. These injuries can have devastating consequences, from internal organ damage and internal bleeding to airway obstruction.
If you or a loved one suffered a penetrating injury due to another driver’s negligence in the South Bend area, you may be able to pursue compensation for your damages.
Let our knowledgeable auto accident lawyers in South Bend help you through the legal process, as this process can be daunting to individuals and their families who lack legal knowledge and experience. You do not have to handle the aftermath of a car crash on your own.
The initial consultation is free, and we do not charge you anything up front. We only get paid if we secure compensation for you, through an insurance settlement or courtroom verdict.
How Do Penetrating Injuries Occur?
Penetrating injuries often occur in car accidents, as the force of a collision can send objects toward vehicle occupants at high speed. This could include shards of broken glass from a window or windshield. There are also exterior objects that may get into the car that may result in penetrating injuries to vehicle occupants.
Penetrating injuries may be more common in head-on crashes, however, they could happen in many types of collisions, particularly those that occur at high speed. Collisions in construction zones may also be more likely to cause penetrating injuries.
Pedestrian, motorcycle and bicycle accidents may also result in penetrating injuries, as these individuals do not have the protection of a car, truck or SUV. This makes victims of these types of accidents more vulnerable to penetrating injuries.
Types of Penetrating Injuries
Penetrating injuries can affect various parts of the body, and the severity of the injury depends on the location and depth of penetration. Some common types of penetrating injuries include:
Penetrating Chest Trauma
The chest houses vital organs such as the heart, lungs and major blood vessels. Penetrating injuries to this area can be life-threatening due to the potential damage caused to these critical structures. For example, a penetrating injury from a high-speed car accident could lead to broken ribs or a broken sternum, causing the sharp object to puncture the lungs or heart. This situation can result in collapsed lungs, hemothorax (blood accumulation in the chest cavity) or even cardiac tamponade (compression of the heart due to accumulated blood), all of which require immediate medical attention.
Penetrating Abdominal Trauma
Injuries to the abdomen can be particularly concerning as this region also contains numerous vital organs, including the liver, spleen, kidneys and intestines. When a penetrating object enters the abdomen, it can cause severe internal bleeding and damage to these organs.
Penetrating abdominal trauma may lead to life-threatening conditions like hemorrhagic shock, where the body loses significant amounts of blood, resulting in a drop in blood pressure and organ failure.
Penetrating Neck Trauma
Injuries to the neck pose an immediate threat to a person’s life due to the presence of vital structures, including the airway, major blood vessels and the spinal cord.
Depending on the location and depth of penetration, a neck injury can lead to severe consequences, such as airway obstruction, severe bleeding from damaged blood vessels or spinal cord injuries causing paralysis.
Penetrating Extremity Trauma
Penetrating arm and leg injuries can cause extensive damage to muscles, nerves, tendons and blood vessels.
In some cases, penetrating injuries to the extremities can lead to compartment syndrome, a condition where pressure builds up within a closed muscle compartment, impeding blood flow and causing tissue damage. Treatment may involve surgery to relieve pressure and restore blood flow.
Long-term complications of penetrating extremity trauma may include nerve damage, chronic pain, limited mobility and the risk of infection.
Linking Your Penetrating Injuries to an Accident
In a car crash claim, you must establish a clear link between your injuries and the accident.
To do this, you need to get medical attention immediately. If you suffered a serious penetrating injury in an accident, you most likely would need to get to the hospital for emergency trauma care. This may help directly link your injury to the accident.
However, there are instances when a penetrating injury may be minor but still require medical attention. It would still be in your best interest to see a doctor as soon as possible. This way, the insurance company cannot try to argue that your injury was caused by something else.
Once you have sought out medical attention, your attorney can help you gather the appropriate medical records that should also successfully link your injuries to the accident.
Contact an Experienced Attorney Today
Medical treatment for penetrating injuries is not cheap. You may also suffer significant lost wages because you may be unable to return to work for an extended period. These are all damages incurred as a result of someone else’s negligent actions, so you should be able to pursue compensation.
Let our experienced lawyers help you file a claim to pursue the compensation you need. Our lawyers have decades of experience negotiating with insurance companies. If necessary, we are also prepared to file a lawsuit.
Call (844) 678-1800 today to schedule a free consultation.
