Internal injuries are some of the most dangerous types of physical trauma a person can endure. Unlike broken bones, bruises, or cuts, internal injuries are not always visible. This can delay diagnosis and treatment, and the consequences of these invisible injuries can be life-threatening.
At Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy, we know how to help victims of internal injuries. Whether your injuries were caused by a car accident, a fall, or medical malpractice, our team is here to help you recover the compensation you need to move forward.
Types of Internal Injuries Common in Cleveland Accidents
Internal injuries range in severity and can impact many parts of the body. Some of the most common types of internal injuries include:
- Internal Bleeding and Vascular Injuries: Damage to blood vessels can cause dangerous hemorrhaging inside the body. Left untreated, this can lead to shock, organ failure, or death.
- Organ Damage: The liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs are particularly vulnerable in high-impact accidents. For example, a ruptured spleen or damaged liver can lead to serious internal bleeding and overall organ dysfunction.
- Abdominal Trauma: Blunt force trauma to the abdomen can damage multiple internal systems. Injuries to the digestive tract, bladder, or reproductive organs may not be obvious right away but will manifest in devastating ways.
- Rib Fractures: While broken ribs are painful, the real danger comes from potential punctures to nearby organs such as the lungs or heart.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries and Concussions: Internal head injuries can occur without an open or visible wound. Concussions, brain bleeds, or swelling can all result from the sheer impact and jarring force of an accident.
Each of these injuries requires swift and thorough medical care, as even seemingly minor trauma can turn serious fast.
How Internal Injuries Commonly Occur
Internal injuries often occur in high-impact crashes. In Cleveland, we see the following common causes:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: Car, truck, and motorcycle crashes are among the most frequent sources of internal trauma. Seatbelt pressure, airbag deployment, and force from the collision itself can damage internal organs and blood vessels.
- Slip and Falls: Whether on construction sites, ladders, or poorly maintained properties, slips and falls can result in blunt force trauma that damages victims internally.
- Workplace Accidents: Defective machinery, crushing accidents, and impact injuries at job sites can cause internal bleeding, organ damage, or traumatic brain injuries.
- Medical Malpractice: Surgical errors, misdiagnoses, or improper treatment can result in internal injury. For example, if internal bleeding is not detected quickly, it could be fatal.
If you suffered any of these injuries and believe negligence played a role, our team can help ensure your medical needs and financial future are protected.
Warning Signs and Symptoms of Internal Injuries
Internal injuries are particularly dangerous because they often don’t produce immediate or obvious symptoms. In many cases, the signs are delayed due to shock, pain from other visible injuries, or the hidden nature of the trauma itself. That’s why it’s important to seek medical attention after any significant accident—even if you feel “okay” at first.
Key warning signs include:
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing
- Bruising patterns
- Dizziness or fainting
- Fever following an accident
- Mental changes
Ignoring any of these symptoms can lead to dangerous complications or even death.
Why Immediate Medical Treatment Is Critical
Time is a critical factor when dealing with internal injuries. If left untreated, they can cause:
- Permanent organ damage
- Chronic pain
- Reduced physical stamina
- Impaired mobility or organ function
- Long-term disability
- Death
Proper diagnosis often requires advanced imaging like CT scans, ultrasounds, or MRIs. In addition to advanced imaging, blood tests, and other lab work may be used to identify hidden damage.
Just as these tests are critical to treating your injury and saving your life, they also prove the connection between your injury and the accident. This medical documentation is essential for proving your case in a personal injury claim. Delaying medical care can endanger your health and make it difficult to recover compensation.
Getting Compensation After an Internal Injury in Cleveland
Under Ohio law, injury victims have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Perhaps this seems like plenty of time, but when you consider the period of recovery and complexity of diagnoses, it’s not.
Depending on your injury and how it’s impacted your life, you will want our team to immediately seek compensation for the following damages:
- Medical expenses, including hospital visits, imaging tests, surgeries, medications, and future treatments
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Lost wages, including time off work and future reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life, especially for those who experience long-term disabilities or physical limitations
Our legal team at Nurenberg Paris will work tirelessly to gather the evidence needed to support your claim and calculate all your losses. We will fight aggressively for the compensation you need and deserve.
You can count on us to gather the following evidence to support your claim:
- Photos and videos from the accident scene
- Police or incident reports
- Detailed medical records and diagnostic results
- Witness statements
- Expert testimony from medical professionals and reconstructionists
Get Legal Help Today
Internal injuries can be overwhelming and frightening, but you don’t have to go through this difficult time alone. If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, the Cleveland personal injury attorneys at Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy are ready to help.
We offer free consultations to evaluate your case and explain your legal options. Let us handle the legal work so you can focus on healing. Contact us today to schedule a free review of your case.
