Exsanguination “Bleeding Out”

What is Exsanguination?

Exsanguination is blood loss to such a degree that the person bleeding dies. It is also known as ‘bleeding out’ and ‘bleeding to death.’ A person does not have to lose all of their blood to exsanguinate.

Personal Injury Claims Involving Exsanguination

When a person exsanguinates due to the negligence of another person, this may give rise to a wrongful death lawsuit. The estate of the deceased individual and/or the proper heirs designated under the relevant State’s Wrongful Death Statute have the right to bring the claim.

What Causes Exsanguination?

Exsanguination or bleeding out occurs most often after a major artery is severed and the bleeding is not stopped. A bleed-out may occur due to internal or external trauma.  There are many causes of exsanguination that result in personal injury claims including:

• Severe external injuries sustained from direct trauma
• Severe internal injuries from direct trauma
• Deep laceration of a major artery
• Misdiagnosis of internal trauma
• Drugs that prevent blood clotting

Can Exsanguination Be Caused by Medications?

Yes. Blood thinners may lead to exsanguination in certain circumstances. Blood thinners have several medical uses.  They are commonly used to treat patients with heart issues such as blood clots and blockages that often need them to live. However, not all blood clotting is bad. Your blood clots to form scabs when you suffer an injury.  If your body cannot form blood clots because you are on blood thinners, exsanguination may occur.

There are many different blood thinners on the market to choose from. Some of them contain an antidote that can help stop the bleeding.  Several blood thinners have come under scrutiny in recent years because of their lack of antidote and their marketing tactics that may not have fully disclosed the absence of an antidote and the significance thereof. Thousands of Pradaxa lawsuits and Xarelto lawsuits have been filed due to this very issue.

What Is the Difference Between Exsanguinate vs Insanguinate?

Insanguinate is sometimes used interchangeably with exsanguinate. However, insanguinate is actually an Italian word meaning ‘bloody’ or ‘blood-soaked.’ Exsanguinate refers to an uncontrollable bleed out.