Compartment syndrome is a serious medical condition that may occur after a motor vehicle accident injury. People hurt in car crashes, motorcycle wrecks, or truck accidents should know about the risks and how to protect their legal right to a fair recovery.
Living With Compartment Syndrome
Compartment syndrome often occurs after an arm, leg, hand, or foot is crushed in an accident. The crush injury causes swelling in the thick layers of tissue that separate groups of muscles in the arms and legs, which increases muscle pressure. Symptoms of compartment syndrome include:
- Pain that does not go away with pain relief medication or elevation of the affected limb or extremity
- Decreased sensation
- Paleness of skin
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Weakness
A doctor may diagnose compartment syndrome after a physical examination. During the exam, the doctor will test to see if:
- You experience pain when the affected area, or compartment, is squeezed
- You suffer significant pain when the affected limb or extremity is moved
- Your skin is swollen and shiny
To confirm the diagnosis, the physician can measure the pressure in the compartment with a needle attached to a pressure meter. The needle is inserted into the area, and readings from the test will confirm compartment syndrome.
Surgery is often required to treat compartment syndrome. Long surgical cuts will be made through the fascia to relieve the pressure. The wounds are left open to allow the release of pressure and will be closed during a second surgery 48 to 72 hours later.
The condition can cause excruciating pain and may result in permanent nerve and muscle damage or amputation.
Compensation for Compartment Syndrome
You would not have suffered compartment syndrome but for your accident injuries. Therefore, the damages you suffer because of compartment syndrome should be part of your legal recovery. A fair legal recovery may include compensation for your past and future:
- Healthcare costs, including but not limited to hospitalizations, surgeries, medications, doctors’ appointments, physical therapy, and assistive medical devices
- Lost income, such as wages, benefits, raises, bonuses, and income from self-employment
- Physical pain for the discomfort you experience due to your injuries
- Emotional suffering for the sorrow and anguish you experience because of your physical pain and how your injuries impact your life
- Other damages for any other out-of-pocket-costs that you incur because of your injuries
Sometimes it is difficult to recover fair damages even after serious accidents that cause severe injuries, such as compartment syndrome.
The insurance company responsible for paying your damages wants to pay you as little as possible so that it can maximize its own profits. However, insurers know that the experienced personal injury lawyers of Hupy and Abraham mean business and that we will fight for your fair recovery. Accordingly, many insurers are willing to settle our clients’ claims to avoid going to court.
Now Is the Time to Protect Your Rights
Your time to file an accident case is limited by law. Therefore, it’s essential to take action as soon as possible to preserve critical evidence in your case and to ensure your legal rights are protected.
The attorneys of Hupy and Abraham will thoroughly investigate your case to identify the proper defendants and value your damages. We will gather and analyze evidence including but not limited to:
- Photos and videos from the accident scene
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- The accident report
- Expert witnesses, if necessary
Then, we will fight for your full and fair recovery.
We invite you to learn more about your accident claim and how to protect your legal rights by contacting our experienced Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa personal injury lawyers for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Injured in a Crash? Contact Our Milwaukee Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consult
Were you or a loved one recently injured in a crash due to another person’s negligence? If so, then it is time to contact our car accident lawyer in Milwaukee for a free consultation. Our team has been practicing law in Wisconsin for over 50 years, and have seen every type of accident there is.
To schedule a consult with our experienced Milwaukee car accident lawyer, start an online chat, fill out our convenient contact form or call 1 (800) 800-5678 today!
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