How to navigate recovery when internal injuries turn your life upside down

Internal injuries may not be immediately visible, so seek immediate medical care and document every recovery-related interaction, from treatment plans to X-rays. A legal professional can strengthen your case by gathering additional evidence and knowing how to speak with insurers.

The World Health Organization reports that injury accounts for 3 of the top 5 causes of death in people aged 5 to 29. Injuries are also highly responsible for ongoing disability and can cost billions in healthcare recovery. The victim of an accident or intentional negligence should immediately document symptoms and take steps to obtain proper compensation.

What Are Common Internal Injuries to Worry About?

These injuries are a bit tricky because they’re not readily visible, as symptoms can take days or weeks to show. They usually occur beneath the skin, but they require prompt medical evaluation.

People often have these problems after a:

• Bad fall
• Car collision
• Workplace accident

Internal bleeding is the most common. Damage to major blood vessels can cause blood to pool inside the body cavity, anywhere from your brain to your abdomen. This can cause shock or organ failure without proper treatment.

Your spleen, which filters your blood, is a very delicate organ. It can easily rupture during high-impact trauma. The liver is also susceptible to trauma. Since it’s on the right side of the upper abdomen and covers a large area, it can often bear the impact.

Impact to the lower back can affect your kidneys. They can tear, bruise, or rupture, which affects your blood filtration.

Symptoms to Check for

After an accident, look out for delayed symptoms.

These often include:

• Deep bruising
• Severe abdominal pain
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Blood in the urine or stool
• Fainting or dizziness
• Sudden low blood pressure

How Do I Document Internal Injuries?

Make a beeline for emergency health care services, whether you’ve had a slip and fall on the job or were rear-ended in a collision. Don’t skip this step because you feel fine now. You may feel good now from the adrenaline or the shock of impact.

Keep detailed notes of all your trauma treatment. That means getting a copy of every hospital report, doctor’s note, and detailed treatment plan. Take advantage of your patient portal to quickly access data, from X-ray scans and other proof of care.

Track all your medical expenses. There are direct costs such as prescription medication, office copays, or therapy bills. Document all days of missed work due to medical appointments or being in pain.

Maintain a symptom journal with as many details as possible, including:

• Date
• List of symptoms
• Daily pain levels
• Injury impact on your routine

What Are Steps to Supporting My Full Recovery?

Follow your doctor’s medical instructions. Internal injuries may require extended bed rest or surgical intervention, so be prepared to take time off work and adjust your daily routine. Otherwise, overexertion can worsen hidden trauma and increase complications.

Recovery resources are available to help with different levels of trauma, such as physical or occupational therapy to help restore mobility. Mental health and cognitive support can help with the onset of post-accident depression or PTSD.

Healing can be expensive; consulting with a personal injury lawyer at Frank Azar Car and Truck Accident Lawyers is a big step toward recovering lost wages and enough insurance compensation quickly to fund your ongoing care.

Do I Need Legal Representation for Accident Compensation?

Having a legal professional on your side after being injured in Denver can increase the speed and size of your compensation. A personal injury lawyer knows how to deal with insurers that are notoriously slow with payouts. That legal pro can quickly block attempts at a lowball offer.

Your lawyer can collect outside evidence such as accident reports and witness contact info that validate your case. They’ll combine this info with whatever evidence you have from the scene and the documentation of your injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Body Injury Takes the Longest to Heal?

When it comes to tissue healing, your skin and minor cuts might heal in a week or two, while a simple bone fracture can be a 6- to 8-week recovery.

However, injuries to major joints/ligaments and the central nervous system are the longest injuries to heal. It can take 9 months or multiple years for a full recovery.

Compared to other tissues, the spinal cord and nervous system have a very limited ability to regenerate. That’s why recovery can be more intense, spanning months or years, and of course, in some cases it can remain permanent.

Your cartilage and ligaments have a similar problem: poor blood supply.  Since nutrients from the blood and oxygen take too long to reach the damaged area, repair is more complex. If you have a severe ligament tear after an accident, preparing for major surgical reconstruction and months of physical therapy is the norm.

What Helps Speed Up Injury Recovery?

If you ever suffer an injury, remember the acronym RICE. Here, the word stands for:

1. Rest
2. Ice
3. Compression
4. Elevation

Letting your body repair itself means allowing it to rest properly. Sleep isn’t just for when you’re tired. It’s a necessary body mechanism for regeneration, so get 7 to 9 restful hours, as the Sleep Foundation recommends.

Thanks to the power of contraction, Ice can help manage swelling. Apply a cold pack for 15 to 20 minutes every few hours for the first day or two.

Apply compression without cutting off blood circulation. One way is to use a snug elastic bandage around the area.

Try to keep the injured area above your heart level. Doing so can help minimize throbbing pain and fluid buildup.

Navigate Your Recovery with the Right Plan

Internal injuries can cause pain and suffering, so prompt care is a must. Document every step from prescription medication to screenings and copies of all medical expenses. A lawyer aids recovery by representing you in front of insurers for fair compensation.​

Whether your recovery takes weeks or years depends on how well you follow your treatment and how much compensation you can get to pay for it.​

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