The car accident attorneys at our North Carolina personal injury firm handle all types of car crash cases – from minor fender benders to fatal crashes. We understand that even those minor accidents can result in painful injuries for a victim. We also understand that more serious crashes can leave a victim with severe and even permanent disabilities. This is why our firm works diligently to get victims and their families the financial compensation they deserve.

Some of the most common injuries our clients sustain in vehicle accidents include broken and fractured bones, as well as severe swelling and bruising to the body, especially on arms and legs. One serious issue that can develop from these injuries is acute compartment syndrome. This very painful condition occurs when there has been a crush injury to the body that results in poor blood flow. If there is any bleeding or swelling after the victim suffers a significant injury, the syndrome can set in. For example, when if a car accident victim slams into the dashboard, a window, or a door when the impact of the vehicles occurs, that force can cause excessive pressure to build up around the enclosed muscle, leading to compartment syndrome.

Compartment syndrome causes high pressure to build up, and this pressure causes a disruption to the blood flow to and from the tissue that surrounds the injured area. When there is any kind of decrease in blood flow to tissues, no oxygen or nourishment arrives in the area. This often results in severe damage to the muscle and nerve cells. Depending on how severe the damage is, the victim may need emergency surgery to prevent the damage from becoming permanent. If there is no treatment for syndrome, the victim may need to have the injured limb amputated.

Symptoms of Compartment Syndrome

It usually takes a few hours after the crash for the victim to begin experiencing the symptoms of compartment syndrome. However, there are situations where no signs of the condition appear for the first 48 hours after the accident. The first indication something is wrong is usually severe pain. In fact, many victims report that the level of pain they experience is out of proportion with the actual injury they sustained in the crash. If a person has been injured in a crash, there are certain symptoms of compartment syndrome to watch for that could indicate the victim is developing the syndrome. These include:

A weaken pulse
Any type of numbness, tingling, or paralysis in the area of the injury
Bulges in the muscle
Burning in the area of the injury
Loss of feeling or sensation in the area of the injury
Muscle weakness
Pain that does not respond to medication
Pale skin, especially in the area that has sustained the injury

If the victim’s injury is on the arms or legs, they may experience numbness, pain, or tingling in their hands or feet. If any of these symptoms appear, it is crucial for the victim to seek out medical attention immediately. Failure to treat the condition could result in permanent damage to the area, permanent disability for the victim, and, in some cases, death.

Let Our Team Help You

If you have been injured in an auto accident, contact one of our North Carolina car accident attorneys to find out what legal recourse you may have and what kind of financial compensation you may be entitled to. The legal team at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp has been advocating for injured clients since 1985 and will do all we can to ensure you receive the best possible outcome under the circumstances of your case. If you would like to meet with one of our skilled car accident attorneys to find out how we can help, call us today at (833) 997-1774 or a free case evaluation.

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A North Carolina Car Accident Attorney Discusses Compartment Syndrome

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