Understanding Abdominal Injuries in Atlanta Accidents
Accidents in Atlanta can cause abdominal injuries that range from painful bruising to life-threatening internal bleeding. Many of these injuries come from blunt force, meaning nothing breaks the skin, so they can be easy to miss at first. When someone else’s negligence caused the injury, an Atlanta abdominal injury attorney can help you pursue compensation for your recovery.
What Is Blunt Abdominal Trauma?
Blunt abdominal trauma happens when the stomach area takes a hard impact, such as hitting a steering wheel, being thrown against a seat belt, or falling onto a hard edge. The force can injure organs without any open wound. Common blunt abdominal injuries include:
- Tears (lacerations) of the liver or spleen, which can cause internal bleeding
- Injuries to the bowel and the mesentery, the tissue that holds the intestines in place
- Kidney and bladder injuries
- Abdominal wall bruising and muscle injuries
Bowel and mesenteric injuries can be hard to spot on an early scan, and a delayed bowel perforation can appear after the first hospital visit. Follow-up care matters.
Seat Belt Injuries
Seat belts save lives, but in a hard crash the belt itself can injure the abdomen. Doctors call a bruise across the stomach where the lap belt sat a “seat belt sign.” It is a warning that there may be injuries underneath, such as damage to the bowel or mesentery. Seat belt injuries can also involve the lower spine. A Chance fracture, a flexion-distraction injury of the spine linked to lap belts, often comes with an abdominal injury as well. If your back was also hurt, see our page on back injuries.
If you were injured by a seat belt in a crash caused by another driver, the at-fault driver can still be responsible for your injuries.
Common Causes of Abdominal Injuries
- Car accidents: impact with the steering wheel, dashboard, or seat belt.
- Slip and fall incidents: falls onto stairs, curbs, or hard objects.
- Workplace accidents: unsafe equipment, falling objects, or machinery.
- Motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents: direct impact with a vehicle or handlebars.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Abdominal Injuries
Watch for these symptoms after an accident:
- Abdominal pain, tenderness, or a hard, swollen belly
- Bruising across the stomach, including a seat belt mark
- Nausea or vomiting
- Signs of shock, such as pale skin, dizziness, or a racing heart
- Blood in urine or stool
- Pain that spreads to the shoulder, which can signal internal bleeding
Some symptoms do not appear for a day or more. If you have any of these after an accident, get medical care right away. Call 911 for severe pain or signs of shock.
Getting Care and Reporting the Crash in Atlanta
- Emergency care: Grady Memorial Hospital’s Marcus Trauma Center is a Level I trauma center serving metro Atlanta.
- Follow-up: keep every follow-up appointment and tell your doctor about any new or worsening pain.
- Crash report: here is how to get your accident report online, and our car accident checklist covers what to do next.
Legal Rights and Recovering Damages
In Georgia, people injured by another’s negligence can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 51-1-6) allows recovery of damages when someone breaches a legal duty and causes harm.
Georgia also follows a modified comparative fault rule (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33). You can recover damages if you were less than 50% at fault, but your award is reduced by your share of fault.
Steps to Take After an Accident
- Get medical care right away. Documentation of your injuries is important.
- Document the scene. Take photos and get contact information from witnesses.
- Report the accident. Call the police after a crash, and report falls to the property owner or manager.
- Talk to an attorney before giving a recorded statement to the other side’s insurance company.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first after an abdominal injury?
Get medical care right away, even if the pain seems mild. Internal injuries can get worse over hours or days.
Can I file a claim for a seat belt injury?
Yes. If another driver caused the crash, injuries from the seat belt are part of the harm that driver caused.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Georgia?
Generally two years from the date of the injury (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33). Claims against a city, county, or the state require written notice much sooner.
Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Yes, as long as you were less than 50% at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Jamie Ballard: Your Atlanta Abdominal Injury Attorney
After an accident, having a committed legal advocate on your side makes a difference. Jamie Ballard is an Atlanta personal injury lawyer who helps injured people deal with insurance companies and pursue fair compensation. The firm is located at 3715 Northside Pkwy NW, Building 100, Suite 500, Atlanta, GA 30327. Call 404-885-8544 for a free consultation.
