Hematoma Injury After a Car Accident
If you get involved in a car accident, one of the injuries you could sustain is a hematoma, which is the medical term for a major bruise. Hematoma injuries can occur as a result of blunt-force trauma against various parts of the body. If you get diagnosed with a hematoma injury after an automobile accident, you may require medical treatments to prevent further health complications.
What Is a Hematoma Injury?
A hematoma injury describes when blood leaks out of damaged blood vessels and pools or collects in various parts of the body, forming a severe bruise. Hematomas after a car accident often show physical signs such as blue, purple or red skin discoloration and swelling. Hematomas can be painful, especially if they press on nearby nerves.
Hematomas may not appear immediately after a car accident. It could take hours or even days for the signs of a hematoma to appear. Unfortunately, waiting to seek medical care could lead to a harmful delay in hematoma treatment. This emphasizes the need for prompt medical treatment after any type of collision to detect and treat hidden or delayed injuries.
Types of Hematomas
A car accident could cause a hematoma in any part of the body that sustains the force of an impact in the crash, such as:
- The legs and arms
- The ears (aural hematomas) and nose
- The abdominal cavity, which could interfere with organ function
- The head or brain, potentially impacting brain function
- The spinal cord
While hematomas may initially present like normal bruises, they are a different type of injury that requires medical attention.
Are Hematomas Something to Worry About After a Car Accident?
The answer to this question depends on the situation. In many locations on the body, a hematoma is not a cause for concern. However, you should not assume that your hematoma is a minor injury or the same as a bruise. In some cases, a hematoma is a severe type of injury that can cause lasting damage or even death. Hematomas can be life-threatening if they affect vulnerable parts of the body, such as the brain or vital organs.
What to Do for a Hematoma Injury After a Car Accident
It is important to always see a doctor for professional medical care after a motor vehicle accident. If you suffer a hematoma or other injuries, a doctor can quickly diagnose them and initiate the necessary treatments.
Common hematoma treatments include:
- Resting
- Applying ice
- Elevating the area
- Using compression
- Protecting the area
- Taking over-the-counter pain medications
- Undergoing surgery, for severe hematomas
The goal of hematoma treatment is to reduce inflammation and mitigate the symptoms until the body can absorb the accumulation of blood from the hematoma.
Can I Qualify for Compensation for a Hematoma Injury?
Yes, you can recover financial compensation for a hematoma injury through a car accident claim if you can prove that someone else is at fault. In California, the driver or party at fault for causing a car accident can be held responsible for paying for a victim’s injuries and related expenses, including medical bills and lost wages.
If someone else caused your car accident, you can file a claim with his or her car insurance company to seek fair financial compensation for your hematoma injury. Request legal assistance during the claims process from an experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer by contacting Rose, Klein & Marias, LLP for a free consultation.