What is Hematoma? 

A hematoma is a localized collection of blood outside the blood vessels, typically caused by trauma that damages small or large blood vessels. In the context of car accidents and other personal injury cases, hematomas may result from blunt force trauma, such as hitting a steering wheel, dashboard, or the ground in a slip-and-fall accident. 

While some hematomas are minor and resolve on their own, others can cause serious complications, requiring urgent medical intervention. If you have suffered an injury resulting in this condition, you should get hematoma legal advice and representation from experienced Indiana car accident lawyers.

Types of Hematomas in Personal Injury Cases

The severity and location of a hematoma determine the potential medical risks and necessary treatments. Here are the common types of hematomas in car accidents and other Indiana personal injury cases:

Subdural Hematoma (Brain Hematoma)

A subdural hematoma occurs when blood collects between the brain and its outer protective layer, the dura mater. This type of hematoma injury usually results from severe head trauma, such as in car accidents, motorcycle crashes, or slip-and-fall incidents.

• Cause: Occurs due to a sudden jolt or impact to the head, causing veins to rupture and bleed.
• Symptoms: Victims may experience severe headaches, dizziness, confusion, seizures, and loss of consciousness.
• Medical Risks: If untreated, it can lead to brain swelling, permanent brain damage, or death.
• Treatment: Serious cases require emergency surgery to drain the blood and relieve pressure on the brain.

Epidural Hematoma

An epidural hematoma occurs when blood collects between the skull and the dura mater, often due to a skull fracture or direct head impact. This type of hematoma may result from high-impact car crashes and severe falls.

• Cause: Often results from a fractured skull, which tears arteries and causes rapid bleeding.
• Symptoms: Victims may briefly regain consciousness before symptoms worsen, leading to brain pressure, confusion, and unconsciousness.
• Medical Risks: Without immediate treatment, it can cause irreversible brain damage or fatal complications.
• Treatment: Requires emergency surgery to remove the accumulated blood and stop further bleeding.

Intramuscular Hematoma

An intramuscular hematoma occurs when blood collects within the muscle tissue due to direct trauma, such as blunt force impacts in car accidents. This injury can be painful and limit movement.

• Cause: Caused by muscle tears and internal bleeding from blunt force trauma.
• Symptoms: Victims experience pain, swelling, bruising, and restricted movement in the affected area.
• Medical Risks: If left untreated, large hematomas can harden and cause long-term mobility issues.
• Treatment: Some cases resolve on their own, while severe hematomas may require drainage or surgical intervention.

Subcutaneous Hematoma (Bruising)

A subcutaneous hematoma, commonly referred to as bruising, occurs when blood pools under the skin due to minor trauma, such as slip-and-falls or minor car crashes.

• Cause: Caused by small blood vessel rupture under the skin.
• Symptoms: Appears as a discolored, swollen area that is painful to the touch.
• Medical Risks: While typically minor, severe bruising could indicate deeper tissue damage or internal bleeding.
• Treatment: Most cases heal without medical intervention, but ice packs and pain management can help reduce swelling.

Retroperitoneal Hematoma (Internal Bleeding in the Abdomen)

A retroperitoneal hematoma occurs when blood collects in the abdominal cavity, generally due to seatbelt injuries in car crashes. This type of hematoma is dangerous because internal bleeding is not always immediately visible.

• Cause: Typically results from blunt trauma to the abdomen, such as from a seatbelt or a direct blow.
• Symptoms: Victims may experience severe abdominal pain, swelling, nausea, dizziness, and low blood pressure.
• Medical Risks: Can lead to organ failure, shock, or life-threatening blood loss.
• Treatment: Severe cases may require emergency surgery to stop internal bleeding.

How Our Indiana Car Accident Attorneys Prove Liability

Investigate the Cause of Your Injury

At Wagner Reese, LLP, our attorneys thoroughly investigate your car accident, gathering police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction analysis to prove liability. If another driver’s negligence caused your hematoma injury, we ensure they are held accountable.

Collect Medical Evidence to Strengthen Your Claim

We will work with medical experts to connect your hematoma injury to the accident, proving its severity and long-term impact. Medical records, imaging scans, and expert testimony will be instrumental in building your case.

Negotiate Maximum Settlement with the Insurer

With over $300 million recovered for injury victims, we aggressively negotiate with insurance companies to achieve the highest possible settlement for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care costs. If necessary, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial.

At Wagner Reese, LLP, our award-winning hematoma injury attorneys will fight tooth and nail to prove liability and recover maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. To schedule your free consultation, call us at (888) 204-8440 or contact us online.