Car accidents can have long-lasting effects on victims. After all, sustaining a serious injury in a car crash caused by another person or entity's negligence is bad enough without having to worry about developing secondary injuries, such as infections.
Infections Are a Sad Reality for Many Car Accident Victims
Infections that develop in car accident wounds are more than just an inconvenience. Depending on the type of bacteria, the severity of the infection, and the patient's overall health, car accident wound infections can be deadly.
Cellulitis, which affects the skin and the tissues under the skin, is one type of infection that's common after a car accident. Usually attributed to bacteria like Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, cellulitis causes redness, warmth, swelling, and tenderness of the skin around a wound. If left untreated, cellulitis can quickly lead to sepsis, a potentially deadly complication. Bacteria such as Lichtheimia ramosa and Clostridium perfringens have also been known to cause infections in car accident victims. Additionally, the bacteria methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus—more commonly known as MRSA—is notorious for causing infections with a high mortality rate.
As one might expect, open external wounds are more prone to infection than closed or internal wounds. The cost of fighting these infections can be quite high. Accident victims planning to seek compensation for their injuries through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit should ensure that their injuries—and subsequent infections—are well documented. This means seeking immediate medical attention and diligently following up with their health care provider after an accident.
Do You Need a Car Accident Attorney?
If you were hurt in a car accident that wasn't your fault and developed a secondary injury, such as an infection, it is important to understand your legal rights and options. The knowledgeable car accident attorneys with the Morris James Personal Injury Group can help you fight for the compensation you need and deserve. Contact the Morris James Personal Injury Group today to schedule an appointment for a free, no-obligation case analysis.
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