Abdominal Trauma

Discussion and Causes

Blunt abdominal trauma (BAT) occurs when the abdomen collides with a fixed object. This occurs when the body is moving quickly and it is stopped suddenly. This happens most frequently when a car accident propels the body forward or sideways, causing it to collide with a seatbelt, the steering wheel, dashboard or the frame of the vehicle.

Abdominal trauma is the leading cause of trauma, accounting for about 50- 75 percent of trauma incidents. The majority of abdominal traumas occur during a car crash. Though they account for over 50 percent of BAT's auto accidents are not the only trauma to cause organ damage and internal bleeding. The most common causes of blunt abdominal trauma include:

• Car accidents
• ATV, motorcycle and snowmobile accidents
• Auto-pedestrian accidents
• Bicycle accidents
• Falls
• Abuse

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of abdominal trauma may not appear for hours, even days after an accident. This can make diagnosing any complications difficult. Common signs and symptoms of complications from an abdominal injury include:

• Low blood pressure
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Pain or pressure in the abdomen
• Fainting
• Changes in vision
• Bloating in the abdomen
• Changes in or trouble using the restroom
• Blood in stool or urine

Range of Injuries

Any and all internal organs and blood vessels can be affected during an auto accident. Some of the more common forms of internal injuries caused by abdominal trauma include:

• Ruptured spleen
• Tears or fissures in the intestine (gastrointestinal tract)
• Damage to the liver
• Injury to the kidneys
• Damage to the pancreas
• Injury to major blood vessels
• Damage to reproductive organs

If you have been injured and have any reason to suspect abdominal trauma or an injury please be seen by a medical professional immediately.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing abdominal trauma can be difficult. Signs of internal bleeding and organ damage may not manifest for days after an accident. Diagnostic tools used by medical professionals include:

• Physical examination including measuring the abdomen over time
• Laparoscopy (to check for sources of internal bleeding)
• Abdominal surgery (to find injuries and repair damage)
• CT Scans
• Ultrasounds

Abdominal trauma can be serious as it often causes major internal damage. If you have been injured on the job or have been involved in a car accident please contact an attorney at Van Dorn & Curtiss today. Only an experienced New Hampshire lawyer can ensure that you receive proper compensation for your injuries.