Motor vehicle collisions can occur in all kinds of weather and at any time of the day or night. Various factors can influence the severity of passengers’ injuries, such as speed and the size of the vehicles involved. An occupant’s limbs can become pinned against the door and dashboard of the car due to the force of the impact. Certain injuries may be readily apparent, such as lacerations or abrasions, but others may not be as noticeable. Compartment syndrome is an injury that may not present symptoms right away. However, it can lead to serious complications for car accident victims. In many cases, a crash is caused by the reckless behavior of another motorist. A skilled personal injury attorney can help you explore your options for holding the negligent party responsible and pursuing compensation.
Compartment Syndrome Defined
Compartment syndrome is a painful and potentially dangerous condition that is caused after pressure builds up from internal bleeding or swollen tissues. Fascia are sections of tissue that divide groups of muscles that are located in the arms and legs. Each fascia has a compartment, or opening, which contains muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. When the openings swell, the fascia pushes up against the muscles. This results in decreased blood flow, which deprives the muscles and nerves of adequate nourishment. They can become damaged, resulting in loss of motion or range. In some situations, emergency surgery is necessary to repair compartment syndrome.
The Five P’s of Compartment Syndrome
People who are hurt in an auto accident may experience shock and panic at first. After these subside, they may feel numbness, tingling, or pain in their legs, arms, or feet. In some scenarios, victims may believe it is just a bruised body part that will heal on its own. However, there are five common signs and symptoms that may indicate a car crash victim has compartment syndrome. These five P's present with the following conditions:
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