The force of trauma in a car accident can cause damage to any of the vital organs in the body. One such organ that can get injured by blunt force trauma from car accidents is the liver.
The liver is an organ located on the right side of the abdomen and is protected by the rib cage. It is observed that 5 percent of trauma patients suffer liver injuries. Right above the liver are organs such as the gall bladder, intestines, and pancreas, which work together to absorb, process, and digest food. The liver filters blood from the digestive tract before it passes to the rest of the body. It also metabolizes drugs, detoxifies chemicals, makes proteins necessary for blood clotting, and secretes bile back into the intestines.
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Causes of blunt trauma hepatic injury
When it comes to blunt trauma scenarios, the liver is the most frequently injured abdominal organ. The second most common liver injury occurs when there is penetrating trauma. In the event of a St. Louis car accident, any blunt force directed at the abdomen can cause trauma to the liver. It can cause the liver tissue to shear, lacerate, or rupture. This can result in bile leakage, internal bleeding, or a combination of both.
Symptoms of a blunt force hepatic injury
Injury to the liver may not be immediately evident. The person may experience symptoms such as:
- Abdominal discomfort
- Tenderness
- Bleeding
- Rapid heartbeat
- Lightheadedness
- Fast and shallow breathing
- Pale skin
If the bile ducts are impacted or shearing occurs, it causes the acidic bile to leak into the liver tissue or even the abdominal cavity. This can cause additional symptoms, including:
- Irritation
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Tissue injury
- Nausea and vomiting
Diagnosis of blunt trauma hepatic injury
Doctors use blood tests, CT scans, and X-rays to determine the extent of liver damage and to find out if any bile leakage or internal bleeding is occurring. Laparoscopy may also be conducted to detect a ruptured liver.
Treatment of blunt force hepatic injury
The treatment depends essentially on the severity of the injury. The doctors monitor active bleeding to ensure that heart rate and blood pressure remain stable. In case active bleeding occurs, surgery becomes necessary to save life. If there is any damage to the bile ducts, surgery may be necessary.
If you have been diagnosed with blunt force hepatic injury after a car crash, you are likely faced with huge medical expenses. If the accident resulted from another driver’s negligence, you may be able to recover all the damages from the other driver. It is in your best interests to seek legal assistance from a competent St. Louis auto accident attorney who can help you with your claim. Call us 24/7 at (314) 361-4242 for a free case evaluation.
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