What Is Exsanguination?
Exsanguination is a medical term that describes severe blood loss that can lead to life-threatening complications or death. There are several definitions of exsanguination. One of the most common is an extreme hemorrhage, where someone has an initial blood loss greater than 40%.
Someone can experience extensive blood loss, also known as a massive hemorrhage, due to car accidents, workplace injuries, or other traumatic events. Regardless of what caused the bleeding, the injured party must be treated immediately.
Without rapid intervention, death is a very real possibility.
What Causes Exsanguination?
Possible causes of severe blood loss include:
- Vehicle crashes: When a vehicle occupant is involved in a car accident, their body is subjected to powerful forces. They could impact the steering wheel or slam into a door or other surface during the crash. Depending on how hard the collision is and the body part affected, the victim could suffer internal bleeding, which can rise to the level of exsanguination if enough blood is lost.
- Construction accidents: Construction accidents can lead to serious injuries and severe bleeding that quickly escalates to exsanguination. Crushing injuries or lacerations from saws or other sharp equipment are especially dangerous types of workplace injuries.
- Assaults: Unfortunately, exsanguination can also be caused by intentional, malicious acts. When a perpetrator assaults someone using a knife, firearm, or other weapon, severe bleeding can be one outcome.
When blood loss is rapid and severe, immediate medical attention is critical to prevent death or long-term damage.
Symptoms of Severe Blood Loss
Regardless of what causes exsanguination, the primary symptoms of the blood loss will be similar.
Some indicators are:
- Rapid heart rate
- Shallow breathing
- Pale skin
- Low blood pressure
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
While many instances of severe blood loss are obvious due to visible bleeding, other cases can be more difficult to detect. If someone suffers an injury and you suspect they might have internal bleeding, look for symptoms like dizziness, severe abdominal pain, or bloating.
Medical Response to Exsanguination
If someone is suffering exsanguination, they need help right away. Every second counts, as the blood loss must be stemmed to prevent death.
Medical professionals may use several methods to stabilize patients who are experiencing exsanguination, such as:
- Fluid resuscitation: Healthcare providers may give IV fluids to restore blood volume and maintain adequate pressure
- Blood transfusions: Replacing lost blood with donor blood can help stabilize the patient in critical situations
- Surgical intervention: All other efforts will be useless unless healthcare providers can find and stop the bleeding
Rapid response is vital, as death can occur within a few minutes of severe bleeding, particularly after traumatic accidents. When in doubt, call 911 and provide them with as many details about the injury and its associated symptoms as possible.
Legal Implications in Texas
In Texas, exsanguination caused by negligence may be grounds for legal action. If you or a loved one has suffered severe bleeding and other injuries due to another person’s careless, reckless, or negligent conduct, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.
If successful, you may be able to recover damages for:
- Medical costs
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral expenses in wrongful death cases
If the victim died due to their injuries and you’re an immediate family member, you may also be able to seek compensation for loss of companionship or financial support.
Contact the Personal Injury Lawyers at The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Exsanguination is an urgent medical emergency caused by severe blood loss. If you believe you or a loved one is suffering blood loss after experiencing a traumatic injury, seek medical treatment right away. Prompt action could save your life.
For help if you have experienced severe blood loss due to an accident, contact The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Friendswood personal injury lawyer.
Contact the Texas Personal Injury Lawyers of The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers
Please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers to get a free initial consultation today. We have offices in Friendswood and Galveston, Texas:
The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers – Galveston Office
2101 Mechanic St. Suite 253
Galveston, TX 77550
(409) 207-9299
The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers – Friendswood Office
312 S. Friendswood Dr.
Friendswood, TX 77546
281-992-8633
