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Yes, a car accident can cause a hernia, particularly when the impact places sudden force on the abdomen or groin. High-speed crashes and seatbelt injuries can weaken the muscle wall, allowing tissue or organs to push through and form a hernia.
A Boca Raton car accident lawyer from Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath can help you understand what steps may be available if another driver’s negligence caused your injuries.
How does a car accident cause a hernia?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, a hernia occurs when internal fatty tissue or internal organs are pushed through the muscle wall, usually in the abdomen. This can happen for a variety of reasons, often involving unexpected pressure on the body, such as lifting a heavy weight. Due to the extreme forces involved in some crashes, including sudden deceleration or direct impact to the abdomen, a car accident can create enough pressure to cause or worsen a hernia.
Some of the more common types of hernias include:
- Inguinal hernia: This happens in the groin area.
- Femoral hernia: This occurs in the upper thigh.
- Incisional hernia: Organs or fatty tissue may extrude through a surgical scar on the abdomen.
- Hiatal hernia: This occurs in the upper abdominal area and may involve the stomach.
- Umbilical hernia: This happens when tissue protrudes around the navel (belly button).
A rare but serious kind of hernia associated with motor vehicle accidents is the traumatic abdominal wall hernia (TAWH). These result from sudden high-energy trauma, such as impacting the steering wheel, seatbelt, or airbag. Traumatic abdominal wall hernias often require prompt medical evaluation and may need surgical treatment, depending on how severe it is.
What are the symptoms of a hernia?
During car crashes, victims often experience a surge of adrenaline, known as the “fight or flight” hormone. Because adrenaline can mask pain after a crash, injuries may not be obvious right away. Getting evaluated by medical professionals at the scene or seeing a doctor soon after the accident can help you discover your injuries before symptoms get worse.
Symptoms can vary depending on the type and location of the hernia. The most common signs of a hernia caused by a car accident include:
- Burning sensation
- Bruising or discoloration in the area
- Pain, especially sharp pain, when lifting anything
- Visible bulging
- Acid reflux
- Difficulty swallowing
- Nausea
- Cramping or muscle pain
- Fever
You may be more prone to develop a hernia after a car accident if you are overweight, have weak abdominal muscles, smoke, have chronic constipation, or regularly lift heavy weights. Age and biological factors may also increase the risk of developing certain types of hernias.
What should I do if I experience a hernia after a car accident?
If you haven’t already, see your doctor within a few days after the crash for evaluation. If you have a hernia diagnosis, follow your physician’s orders for treatment and keep records of everything.
In many cases, you may file a claim through your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) auto insurance coverage, which can help pay a portion of medical expenses and lost wages
If you have additional injuries that are life-threatening or otherwise serious as defined under Florida law, you could pursue a third-party lawsuit against the at-fault driver. This may allow you to seek additional compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Talk to a Boca Raton car accident lawyer
If you have questions and need answers about suffering a hernia after a crash, schedule a free consultation with a Boca Raton car accident lawyer at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath. We work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay us if we don’t secure a settlement for you. Let our team work for you and get the results you deserve when you call us at (561) 655-1990 today.