Wearing a seat belt is one of the simplest and most effective things you can do to prevent severe injuries and fatalities in the event of a car accident. However, the very thing meant to protect you and the other passengers in the vehicle can also cause injuries due to the restraining force exerted by a seat belt. Depending on the nature and severity of the accident, these injuries – known as seat belt syndrome – can range from bruising and muscle strains to rib fractures and internal organ damage. While these injuries can be serious, the benefits of wearing a seat belt far outweigh the risks.
What Are Common Seat Belt Injuries?
The extreme impact of a car accident can cause the seat belt to cause a range of injuries, including the following:
- Broken bones
- Shoulder injuries
- Bruising and abrasions
- Abdominal injuries
- Vascular injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Internal organ damage, including damage to the kidneys, bladder, stomach, colon, and small bowels
What Are Common Symptoms of Seat Belt Syndrome?
When the force of impact associated with a car accident causes the seat belt to activate, it can put great pressure on the abdomen and chest. The more serious the accident, the greater the force of impact, and the more likely you could suffer a seat belt-related injury. If seat belt syndrome causes internal injuries, they can be challenging to detect. If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:
- Bruising or muscle strain in the abdominal region
- Seat belt marks across the chest or abdomen
- Swelling or discoloration that does not go away within a few days
- Sternum pain
- Weakness in the legs, which could indicate an abdominal or lower back injury
- Dizziness, which could be a symptom of an internal organ injury
- Changes in bowel movements or urination
- Constipation and bleeding
- Blood in the stool or urine
- Difficulty breathing, which may suggest damage to the lungs and heart
- Vomiting or coughing up blood
- Pain between the hips and ribs
How Is Seat Belt Syndrome Diagnosed?
Any time you are involved in a car accident, it is essential that you seek immediate medical attention to ensure that your injuries are correctly diagnosed and treated. A healthcare professional can diagnose a seat belt injury by doing an X-ray, a CT scan, and other imaging tests, which can identify trauma to the internal organs.
What Are the Treatment Options for Seat Belt Syndrome?
Minor seat belt injuries can heal on their own, although they may require pain management or physical therapy to aid in the healing process. More serious injuries like organ damage, internal bleeding, or broken bones may require medical interventions, including surgery and other procedures that often involve a lengthy recovery process. In extreme cases, a seat belt injury can cause permanent impairments that may require ongoing treatment in a long-term care facility.
What Damages am I Entitled to for Injuries Related to Seat Belt Syndrome?
If the injuries you suffered from a seat belt injury are severe, the expenses associated with the injury will start to accumulate very quickly, particularly if you suffered a spinal cord injury, organ damage, or other injuries that require extensive medical treatment. A successful personal injury lawsuit can help you recover the following damages:
- All medical expenses associated with your injuries, including hospital bills, follow-up doctor’s appointments, physical therapy, and prescription medications
- Lost wages if you are unable to return to work for an extended period of time
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
Cincinnati Car Accident Lawyers at Wolterman Law Office Help Clients Suffering From Injuries
Contact our Cincinnati car accident lawyers at Wolterman Law Office if you have been injured in a car accident. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 513-488-1135 or contact us online. Located in Loveland, Ohio, we serve clients in Hamilton County, Fairfield, Norwood, and Forest Park.