Personal injury law covers a wide range of accidents and incidents, including those involving car accidents where someone may suffer internal injuries caused by a seatbelt. While seatbelts are integral to passenger safety in a car accident, the force of the seatbelt across the body in a violent car accident can be enough to lead to internal injuries. If you have suffered an internal injury related to a car accident, contact a personal injury attorney to pursue the compensation you may deserve.
Understanding Internal Injuries Caused by Seatbelts
One type of internal injury that can result from a seatbelt is called seatbelt syndrome. Seatbelt syndrome occurs when the lap belt in a car accident compresses the abdomen, causing damage to organs such as the spleen, liver, and intestines. Symptoms of seatbelt syndrome can include abdominal pain, bruising, and internal bleeding. Additionally, if enough force is applied, seatbelts can cause chest injuries, such as broken ribs or even sternum fractures. These injuries can also result in additional complications, such as punctured lungs or damage to the heart.
A spinal cord injury is a less common but potentially more dangerous injury that can result from a seatbelt in a car accident. Depending on the direction of the impact from the accident, the force of the seatbelt could potentially compress the spinal cord, leading to permanent damage or paralysis. Spinal cord injuries require immediate medical attention and often require long-term rehabilitation.
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