Bike accidents can be catastrophic, and injuries from them can be to your internal organs. A ruptured spleen is one of the most serious injuries and requires urgent medical care and legal attention.
What Is the Spleen, and What Does It Do?
The spleen in the upper left abdomen is vital to your immune system and blood health. It clears old or damaged blood cells and helps fight infections. The spleen is fragile and susceptible to traumatic injury during high-impact accidents like a bike crash.
In such situations, direct force on the abdomen can be so severe that it can cause serious damage to this organ and result in life-threatening complications. If your spleen ruptures in an accident, hire a Houston motorcycle accident attorney.
How Does a Spleen Injury Occur?
Blunt trauma, commonly seen in bike accidents when riders hit hard surfaces, vehicles, or other objects, is a typical cause of spleen injuries. The spleen is suddenly ruptured, or tears, causing internal bleeding.
Spleen damage can occur even from a small accident if there is a large force or the force is directed at the abdomen. Early symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, tenderness, dizziness, or low blood pressure should never be ignored.
What Is a Ruptured Spleen?
A ruptured spleen is a medical emergency in which the surface or internal tissue of the spleen tears, resulting in internal bleeding. Untreated, this can result in hemorrhagic shock or death. A rupture may be minor and heal with rest and observation, or it may be severe and require surgery to repair or remove the spleen.
Treatment for a Ruptured Spleen
The severity of the injury dictates treatment. Close monitoring and noninvasive interventions like blood transfusions or pain management may be all that is needed for mild ruptures. Severe cases, however, require surgery.
If repair isn’t viable, the spleen may be removed (splenectomy). Post-treatment care relates to reconstituting the immune system after the spleen is removed.
Compensation for a Ruptured Spleen
A rupture of the spleen in a bike accident may entitle you to compensation if another party’s negligence caused the incident, particularly if you suffered a ruptured spleen in a bike accident. The damages you can pursue include:
Medical Costs
A ruptured spleen can be expensive to treat. It involves emergency care, diagnostics, surgery, and ongoing medical needs such as follow-ups and immune system support. Immediate and long-term medical expenses should be covered.
Lost Wages
When a spleen ruptures, it often needs much recovery before you can work again. Wages lost during your recovery and diminished earning capacity if the injury makes it impossible to return to work are included in compensation.
Property Damage
If you have been injured in the accident, you may be able to seek reimbursement for your bike or other belongings through the help of a top Houston motorcycle accident lawyer. That includes repair or replacement costs for your bike and any safety gear damaged during the incident.
A ruptured spleen from a bike accident is a serious, life-threatening injury that needs immediate medical and legal attention. It can help you get physically and financially back on your feet after the incident.
Featured Image Source: https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/a-man-grabs-his-right-side-under-the-ribs-pain-in-the-liver-pain-syndrome-in-liver-gm1224336527-359956503?searchscope=image%2Cfilm