Suffering a Ruptured Spleen in a Bike Accident Is Serious

Ryan Bradley | July 12, 2022 | Bicycle Accidents

Kansas City bicyclists are at a high risk of suffering serious internal injuries when involved in traffic accidents. Although torso protection exists, the average rider on city bicycle paths travels in lightweight clothing, which offers no protection from blunt or piercing forces. 

The spleen is one of many organs that can be damaged in bicycle accidents. Located on the left side of the body, the spleen is an organ that you can have removed and still live a high-quality life. With that being said, it does help your body fight infections, and you may be at a higher risk of falling ill if you don’t have it. 

How Can Bicycle Accidents Cause a Spleen to Rupture?

A ruptured spleen occurs when the surface of the organ is compromised and ruptures. It can be caused by both piercing and blunt-force trauma. In the case of bicycles, blunt force trauma tends to cause more spleen injuries than piercings. 

In many bicycle accidents, riders are thrown from their bicycles and land on objects that are capable of causing the spleen to rupture, including rocks, sides of benches, curbs, or vehicles. Even parts of the bicycle itself may cause damage to the spleen, such as the handlebars, frame, or pedals. 

What Should You Do When a Bicycle Accident Ruptures Your Spleen?

If you’re in a bicycle accident and rupture your spleen, you will need to seek immediate medical attention. However, determining whether your spleen has ruptured may not be easy. Call first responders immediately after the accident to get a preliminary medical evaluation and take note of your symptoms.

Signs your spleen has been ruptured include:

  • Pain or discomfort in the upper left abdomen
  • The upper left abdomen is tender to the touch
  • A painful left shoulder
  • Dizziness and lightheadedness

Tell first responders about any of these symptoms and get an examination from a doctor as soon as you can. Diagnosing a ruptured spleen may be difficult and beyond the scope of first responders. 

Additionally, an official report from a qualified physician is necessary to support your claim for injuries. 

You should also call the police and establish an official record of the incident. In many instances, reporting the accident to the police is mandatory. You must call the police in Kansas City when someone is injured or killed or the accident causes over $500 in property damage. 

Additionally, a police report is vital to your claim for damages resulting from a ruptured spleen, which may be substantial, depending on the extent of the injury. Although you can live without one, having your spleen injured and removed puts you at risk of further injury or death, even years down the line.

What Are the Potential Damages for a Ruptured Spleen?

Damages are compensation you may be awarded after being involved in an accident that ruptures your spleen. The extent of the injury will determine the types of damages you may receive from a settlement or verdict. 

Damages can be awarded to cover both economic and non-economic losses due to a ruptured spleen after a bicycle accident. 

Some of these include:

  • Hospital bills
  • Surgery bills
  • Prescription medication
  • Loss of income
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Loss of consortium

If someone else even partially caused your ruptured spleen, you may be able to demand payment to cover the injury you suffered. 

Contacting a personal injury attorney with experience representing bicycle accident victims is a good place to start when seeking compensation. You can learn about the merits and potential value of your case by scheduling a free consultation with a bicycle accident attorney. 

Contact Our Bicycle Accident Law Firm For Help Today

For more information, please contact Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free case evaluation today.

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1430 Washington Ave Suite #226 St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 400-0000

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1509 NE Parvin Rd, Suite A., Kansas City, MO 64116
(816) 408-3448

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