A ruptured spleen occurs when a portion of the spleen’s covering breaks open. This is an emergency medical condition that results in blood pouring into the abdominal area. This condition can be life-threatening. The spleen is a soft, fist-sized organ located in the upper left side of the abdomen. It is protected by the rib cage and helps your body fight infections by destroying certain bacteria. The spleen also produces new blood cells, as well as helps remove and filter old ones from the bloodstream.
If you have suffered any sort of blunt abdominal trauma during an automobile accident or work injury, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of your injury, a ruptured spleen may require surgery, and the sooner it is correctly identified, the more treatment options may be available.
Causes of a Ruptured Spleen
The spleen’s location within the body puts it at a greater risk of rupture when the abdomen suffers direct or blunt trauma. This can be caused by a variety of accidents including:
A ruptured spleen can also be caused by certain diseases and illnesses that result in the spleen becoming swollen, and as a result, its covering becoming thin.
When blood collects within the spleen, it can form a hematoma, which can cause the spleen to rupture.
At Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., our attorneys understand the severity and complexity of splenic injuries and can help ensure you receive the medical treatment necessary to make a full recovery. We will also work with your medical experts to determine what future medical needs your injuries may require.
What Are the Signs of a Ruptured Spleen?
Signs and symptoms of a ruptured spleen include:
- Blurred vision
- Fainting
- Lightheadedness
- Low blood pressure
- Nausea
- Pain on the left side of the abdomen
- Signs of shock
A ruptured spleen may occur immediately after an accident; or sometimes, days or weeks after an accident. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention immediately after experiencing direct or blunt trauma to the abdominal area.
Treating a Ruptured Spleen Injury
The treatment for a ruptured spleen injury is highly dependent on the severity of the injury; however, costs for hospital bills, surgery, and medications can be substantial. These expenses are almost impossible to predict when you have been injured due to the negligence of someone else, which is why we are here to help. You need to make sure that your future is accounted for when evaluating a settlement.
Call Us Today
Our personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t collect any attorney fee unless we make a recovery for you. Our initial consultation is always free, so call us at (713) 932-0777 to learn more about your claim or schedule an appointment today.