Injuries Caused by Metal Shards in a Car Accident

Metal shards are small, sharp pieces of metal that can become airborne during a car accident and cause serious injuries.

Injuries can occur in many ways during a car accident. One way is from metal shards. Metal shards are small, sharp pieces of metal that can become airborne during an accident and cause serious injuries. Tragically, in severe cases, they can even cause death. Here are common types of injuries that metal shards cause in car accidents. 

Nerve Damage

One of the most serious injuries metal shards can cause is nerve damage. When nerves are damaged, they can no longer send signals to the brain properly, which can lead to paralysis or other serious conditions. 

Metal shards can damage nerves in several ways, including puncturing them, cutting them, or crushing them. In some cases, the damage may be permanent, and the victim may require lifelong care. In less serious cases, nerve damage can cause severe pain and disability.

Severe Punctures or Lacerations

Metal Shards can also cause severe punctures or lacerations. These are usually the result of being pierced by a shard of metal or having your skin sliced by a sheet of metal. In either case, the result is a deep wound that can be difficult to heal. In some cases, the wounds may even become infected, leading to further complications. In severe cases, metal shards can even cause death.

Head and/or Brain Injuries

During an accident, the head is one of the most exposed parts of the body, making it more likely to be hit by flying metal shards. Depending on the size and velocity of the shards, they can cause a range of head injuries from small cuts and bruises to more serious damage.

It’s also worth noting that even when head injuries are not life-threatening, they can still have lasting consequences. Concussions, for example, can lead to long-term problems with memory and concentration. Victims of brain injuries also often suffer from headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. 

Internal Bleeding

Sometimes, metal shards can become embedded in bone or muscle tissue, causing internal bleeding. The result is life-threatening hemorrhaging that can quickly lead to death. And even if the bleeding is not fatal, it can still cause serious damage to the affected organs, leading to long-term health problems. In either case, victims of this type of injury often require extensive and expensive medical treatment. 

Eye Injuries

If a metal shard penetrates the eyeball, it can cause serious damage to the delicate tissues inside. Even if the metal does not penetrate the eyeball, it can still scratch the cornea, causing pain and impairing vision. In severe cases, corneal scratches can also lead to scarring and permanent vision loss.

As you can see, metal shards can cause various serious injuries in an accident. If metal shards have injured you or someone you know, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. In some cases, these injuries may require surgery or other medical treatments. After seeking medical attention, speak with an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer who can help you protect your legal right to compensation.