After being involved in an accident, not all injuries are immediately visible. Internal injuries can be especially dangerous because symptoms may not appear right away, yet they can lead to serious or even life-threatening complications. If you were hurt in a car crash, slip and fall, or another incident in New Jersey, understanding how internal injuries are diagnosed and how they impact your legal rights is important. Read on for more information and contact an experienced New Jersey injury lawyer to secure the help of a skilled legal professional.
What Are Internal Injuries?
Internal injuries refer to damage sustained by organs, blood vessels, and soft tissues inside the body that may not present with immediate external signs like cuts or bruises. These injuries can range from mild to severe, affecting areas such as the brain, lungs, spleen, liver, kidneys, and major arteries.
They mainly occur as a result of blunt force trauma, which happens when a significant impact or sudden deceleration causes damage without penetrating the skin. Common situations leading to internal injuries include car accidents and slip and falls.
In a car accident, the forceful jolt of a collision can cause organs to strike against the inside of the body cavity (like the heart hitting the chest wall), leading to concussions, internal bleeding, or organ rupture. Seatbelts, while important for safety, can also exert severe pressure, causing abdominal or chest injuries. A hard fall, especially on a solid surface, can create enough force to damage internal organs or cause fractures that result in internal bleeding.
The danger of internal injuries lies in the potential for hidden or delayed symptoms. Internal bleeding, for example, can be slow and steady, leading to life-threatening shock or organ failure if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
How Are Internal Injuries Diagnosed After an Accident in NJ?
Diagnosing an internal injury after an accident in New Jersey relies on a medical examination and the use of diagnostic tools. Immediate medical attention is crucial, as healthcare professionals are trained to recognize subtle signs that may indicate internal damage, even if the patient appears fine.
The diagnostic process typically begins with a physical examination, where doctors look for signs of tenderness, swelling, abnormal vital signs, and symptoms like nausea, dizziness, or confusion. These are all potential indicators of internal issues. If internal injury is suspected, medical imaging is necessary to see the body’s internal structures.
Important diagnostic tests include X-rays, which are useful for detecting fractures that could lead to internal bleeding or organ puncture. Computed Tomography (CT) scans are often used to create detailed images of the brain, chest, abdomen, and pelvis, helping identify internal bleeding, organ damage, or collapsed lungs. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provides detailed images of soft tissues, useful for diagnosing spinal cord or brain injuries. Ultrasound, a non-invasive tool, is frequently used in emergency settings to quickly check for blood in the abdominal cavity around organs.
Blood tests are also important, particularly to check blood cell counts, which can indicate internal bleeding, or to assess liver and kidney function, which may be compromised by trauma. A fast and accurate diagnosis is essential not only for immediate treatment but also for establishing a clear link between the accident and the injuries, which is necessary for any subsequent personal injury claim.
