What Do I Need to Know About Filing a Claim for Internal Injuries?

Internal injuries from a car accident are hard to detect without getting a full medical examination and diagnostic testing. Waiting to get medical help after a car crash could put your health and maybe even your life at risks. Damage to internal organs or internal bleeding can quickly put your life at risk, especially if they go undiagnosed and untreated.

If you or a loved one suffered internal injuries in a car accident, we encourage you to seek legal help right away. At Schmidt Kramer, our Harrisburg, PA car accident attorneys are prepared to help. Our legal team has significant experience. We are also deeply committed to ensuring our clients are fairly compensated.

Find out if you have legal options in a completely free and confidential initial consultation. During this no-obligation meeting, we can help determine whether you may be eligible to seek compensation for your medical costs and other losses.

Call us today to speak to one of our attorneys: 717-727-2500.

What Is an Internal Injury?

Internal injuries refer to damage inside the body that is not immediately visible from the outside. These injuries can affect organs, blood vessels and other internal structures. Common internal injuries from car accidents include internal bleeding, organ damage and broken ribs.

What Type of Car Accidents Could Lead to Internal Injuries?

Internal injuries are often the result of blunt force trauma or penetration from an object during a collision. Even minor accidents can cause internal injuries.

Internal injuries can result from various types of car accidents. Some of the most common scenarios include:

• High-speed collisions Often result in severe internal injuries due to the significant force exerted on the body
• Rear-End Collisions: This can damage the spine or cause internal bleeding.
• Rollovers: Passengers in rollovers face a higher risk of internal injuries due to the violent nature of these crashes and possible vehicle collapse.
• Pedestrian Accidents: Pedestrians struck by vehicles are extremely vulnerable to sustaining organ damage and other internal injuries.
• T-Bone Accidents: When one car hits the side of another, vehicle occupants on the impacted side are more likely to suffer severe internal injuries.

How Long Does it Take for Signs of an Internal Injury to Show?

One of the most dangerous aspects of internal injuries is that they may not show symptoms immediately. For some internal injuries, victims might not notice any symptoms for hours or longer after the crash. This delay can lead to worsening injuries if victims do not seek treatment immediately.

Serious Types of Internal Injuries

While all internal injuries are serious, some are more dangerous than others, including:

Internal Bleeding

Internal bleeding occurs when blood vessels are damaged, allowing blood to leak into the body. It can happen in any body part, including the brain, lungs, abdomen or muscles. Internal bleeding is life-threatening because it can lead to shock or death if not treated quickly.

Organ Damage

Organs like the liver, spleen, kidneys and lungs are particularly vulnerable in car accidents. Blunt force trauma can rupture or tear these organs, leading to internal bleeding or loss of organ function. Organ damage often requires surgery and can result in long-term health issues.

Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung)

A pneumothorax occurs when air leaks into the space between the lung and chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This injury can result from broken ribs puncturing a lung or blunt force trauma to the chest. This medical condition can lead to severe breathing difficulties and requires immediate medical attention.

Brain Injuries

Brain injuries, including concussions, contusions, and hemorrhages, are common in car accidents. These injuries can range from mild to severe and may cause long-term cognitive and physical impairments. Brain injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Ruptured Blood Vessels

Blood vessels can rupture during a collision, leading to internal bleeding. This is especially dangerous if it occurs in major arteries or veins, as it can lead to rapid blood loss and death.

Treatment Options for Internal Injuries

Treatment for internal injuries depends on the type and severity of the injury and may include:

Surgery

Many internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, require surgery to repair the damage. Surgeons may need to remove damaged tissue and repair blood vessels. They may also need to drain excess blood or fluid.

Medication

Pain management, antibiotics and medications to control blood pressure or prevent infection are often prescribed for internal injuries. In some cases, blood transfusions may be necessary to replace lost blood.

Rehabilitation

For injuries like brain trauma or spinal cord damage, long-term rehabilitation may be required. This can include physical therapy, occupational therapy and cognitive therapy to help patients recover as much function as possible.

Hospital Observation

In some cases, doctors may recommend observation in a hospital to monitor the injury and ensure it does not get worse. This is often the case with minor internal bleeding or mild concussions. Hospital stays may be necessary so a doctor can monitor and adjust your treatment if these injuries worsen.

When Should I File a Claim for My Internal Injuries?

You should file a claim as soon as possible to support you in your recovery. However, legally, in Harrisburg, you must file a claim two years from the accident date.

This means you have two years to file a lawsuit for compensation for your injuries. You could lose your right to file a lawsuit if you miss this deadline. While two years sounds like a long time, we recommend seeking legal help sooner than later. It takes time to build a strong case, especially when you have significant damages.

Types of Damages You May Be Eligible to Recover After a Car Crash

If you suffered internal injuries in a collision, you may be eligible to recover compensation for these and other types of damages:

• Medical expenses: Costs of emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, medications
• Future medical expenses: This covers the costs of long-term medical care. For example, if someone is disabled, they will most likely need ongoing medical treatment.
• Mental health services: This claim covers psychological treatment for emotional and mental trauma.
• Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work while recovering from your injuries
• Pain and suffering: Damages for physical pain and emotional distress
• Rehabilitation costs: Covers physical therapy and other rehabilitation services needed for recovery

Speak with a Schmidt Kramer Lawyer Today. We Are Here to Help

At Schmidt Kramer, we are committed to helping you understand your legal options.

If you are unsure what steps to take next, call our trusted law firm today. There is no need to try to navigate Pennsylvania’s complex legal process alone. We offer a free consultation so you can discuss your potential case in more detail. If you choose our firm to represent you, there are no upfront costs or fees to pay.

Get answers to your legal questions: 717-727-2500.