Many types of car crashes, slips and fall accidents, and workplace accidents can cause injuries that are medical emergencies. One of these is a ruptured spleen. The spleen is a small, delicate organ located in the abdomen. It produces white blood cells to fight infection and red blood cells to remove old ones from the body’s circulatory system.
A ruptured spleen occurs when the covering over the spleen that protects it from injury breaks open. It is often caused by a forceful blow to the abdomen in a car crash, slip and fall, or workplace accident. If the tear is large, it can cause a large amount of internal bleeding—sometimes life-threatening.
Ten Symptoms of a Ruptured Spleen![A ruptured spleen can be a life-threatening injury]()
You may not experience the symptoms of a ruptured spleen for weeks or even a month after your accident. Signs to watch for include:
- You experience pain in your upper left portion of the abdomen. Severe pain may be a sign of extensive internal bleeding.
- You feel pain in your left shoulder.
- You have blurred vision.
- You are nauseous.
- You feel lightheaded.
- You are unusually fatigued.
- Your abdominal area is swollen or bruised.
- Your blood pressure is low.
- You sweat profusely, or you experience hot and cold sensations.
- You have fainted.
If your spleen ruptured, you may require immediate surgery or blood transfusions. You could owe costly medical bills and be off work for a period of time while you recover. However, you may be able to hold the negligent business or person that caused your accident responsible for compensating you for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Fill out our online contact form or call us at (727) 345-4566 to schedule a free consultation to learn about your legal options.