Internal bleeding is a life-threatening medical emergency and a serious injury frequently seen in California personal injury cases, especially after vehicle accidents, falls, assaults, or etc. Unlike visible wounds, internal bleeding can go undetected for hours or days—leading to organ failure, shock, or death if not promptly treated.
If your internal bleeding was caused by someone else’s negligence, California law allows you to pursue compensation for your medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
🩸 What Is Internal Bleeding?
Internal bleeding refers to blood loss within the body, often from blunt force trauma or penetrating injuries. It can occur in:
- Abdomen (e.g., spleen, liver, kidneys)
- Brain (e.g., subdural or epidural hematoma)
- Chest cavity (e.g., lungs, heart)
- Pelvis or retroperitoneum
- Muscle compartments (e.g., crush injuries, compartment syndrome)
Symptoms May Include:
- Dizziness, fainting, low blood pressure
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Vomiting or coughing up blood
- Deep bruising or purple skin
- Shortness of breath
- Altered mental state or loss of consciousness
🚨 Internal bleeding is a medical emergency that often requires surgery, blood transfusions, or intensive monitoring.
🚧 Common Causes in California Personal Injury Cases
Internal bleeding is often linked to:
- Car, motorcycle, or truck accidents
- Pedestrian or bicycle crashes
- Slip/trip and falls (especially involving abdominal impact)
- Assaults or blunt-force trauma
- Defective products (e.g., malfunctioning seatbelts or airbags)
⚖️ Legal Grounds for Compensation in California
To hold someone liable for your injury, you must prove:
- Duty of care – The defendant had a legal duty to act safely (e.g., safe driving, safe premises).
- Breach of duty – They failed to meet that standard (e.g., negligence, recklessness).
- Causation – Their actions directly caused your internal bleeding.
- Damages – You suffered real harm (medical, financial, emotional).
🔁 California’s comparative negligence rule:
Even if you’re partially at fault, you can still recover damages. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
💰 Compensation Available for Internal Bleeding Injuries
🔹 Economic Damages:
- Emergency medical care and hospitalization
- Diagnostic imaging (CT scans, ultrasounds)
- Surgical interventions
- ICU care or blood transfusions
- Follow-up care and medications
- Lost income and future reduced earning capacity
- Home health care or rehabilitation
🔹 Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress or anxiety
- Permanent internal damage
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of consortium (impact on family or relationship)
If the internal bleeding led to organ failure, disability, or death, wrongful death or long-term disability claims may also apply.
📂 Key Evidence That Strengthens Your Case
Since internal bleeding isn’t visible, documentation and expert testimony are crucial.
✅ Collect:
- ER and hospital records
- CT, MRI, or ultrasound results
- Surgeon and specialist reports
- Photos or video of the accident
- Witness statements
- Medical expert testimony
- Employment records (to show wage loss)
- Daily journal of symptoms, pain, and lifestyle impact
⏳ Statute of Limitations in California
- You [generally] have 2 years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit.
- If a government entity is involved, you must file a claim within 6 months.
⏰ Waiting too long could mean you lose the right to recover any compensation.
👨⚖️ Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer for Internal Bleeding Cases
Internal bleeding claims are complex and often undervalued because:
- Symptoms may be delayed or not outwardly obvious.
- Insurance companies may argue it was unrelated or pre-existing.
- You may need specialists to explain the severity and long-term consequences.
A skilled attorney will:
- Prove liability and link the bleeding to the incident
- Work with medical experts to build a strong case
- Fight back against lowball offers
- Pursue maximum compensation, including future medical needs
Law Offices of James R. Dickinson – 909-848-8448
How To Schedule A Consultation:
Please call us at 909-848-8448 to schedule a free consultation/case evaluation or complete the form immediately below. [Please note certain formalities must be completed to retain the Law Offices of James R. Dickinson, such as the signing of a legal fee agreement [see “Disclaimers”]].