Compartment syndrome attorneys in Virginia

Representing victims of compartment syndrome in Virginia

Though not commonly talked about, compartment syndrome is a serious condition that can be caused by many kinds of vehicle accident.

Muscle tissue, blood vessels, and nerves are grouped together by fascia, or “compartments,” in your arms and legs. Fascia cannot expand, so when muscles are damaged and swell, pressure builds because there is nowhere for the swelling to go. This leads to severe damage to the blood vessels, nerves, and muscles in the compartment as the pressure cuts off blood flow and keeps oxygen from getting to the tissue. The result is cellular death.

As Virginia personal injury attorneys, we’ve seen compartment syndrome and the damage it causes too often. We’re prepared to help our clients and get them the justice they deserve. If you or a loved one has developed compartment syndrome due to someone else’s poor judgment, you may have a personal injury claim. Contact GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys at (855) 781-6777 to receive outstanding legal representation.

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Why does compartment syndrome happen?

Anything that causes damage to a compartment in the body can lead to compartment syndrome. Usually, it happens when there’s internal bleeding or swelling. Some common injuries that can lead to compartment syndrome are:

• Broken or fractured bones
• Crush injuries
• Burns
• Bruised muscles

Many of these injuries are found in the aftermath of vehicle accidents. In fact, car accidents are an incredibly common cause of compartment syndrome. It can also occur when a bandage or cast has been too tightly wound.

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How do I know if I am suffering from compartment syndrome?

There are two types of compartment syndrome: acute and chronic. Acute compartment syndrome occurs from severe injuries, like the ones listed above. Chronic compartment syndrome is usually from excessive exercise. Both present similar symptoms, including:

• Extreme, persistent pain: This pain will not go away, even when it seems like the initial injury has healed. Touching, adding pressure, elevating, or stretching the injured limb makes the pain worse, rather than soothing it.
• Pins and needles: Otherwise known as paresthesia, this is the feeling you get when a limb has fallen asleep, usually due to lack of blood flow. But in this situation, the feeling will not go away, even after stretching.
• Change in skin tone: The impacted limb will often change color, becoming pale or dusky because of the lack of blood flow.
• Lack of pulse: With very little blood reaching the affected limb, it may become difficult to find a pulse at all. If one can be found, it is usually weak.

If you have been experiencing one or all of these symptoms, seek medical help. Compartment syndrome is severe and needs to be treated as soon as possible. In order to diagnose compartment syndrome, doctors must first rule out similar conditions, such tendonitis. This may be a lengthy process, which makes seeking medical help quickly even more important.

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What’s the cost of compartment syndrome?

If not given treatment in time, compartment syndrome can cause permanent damage. Without proper blood flow, nerves and muscles are unable to get the nutrients and oxygen they need, and they will start to die. In extreme cases, this can even lead to the amputation of the impacted limb being necessary.

For compartment syndrome caused by an injury, the only current treatment is immediate surgery to release the built-up pressure. Even after successful treatment, there may be nerve damage, permanent scarring, and reduced function within the limb.

This means that you may be left with high medical bills, a lengthy recovery period, lost wages, an inability to continue performing well at your job, and pain and suffering. If your compartment syndrome was caused by someone else’s negligence, either due to an accident or an error caused by a medical professional, you should seek compensation to cover the short and long-term costs of your injuries.

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Trust in our experience and compassionate representation

You don’t deserve to be swimming in medical debt and losing out on your hard-earned wages because someone else made a poor decision or showed poor judgment. If you have developed compartment syndrome due to someone else’s negligence, don’t hesitate to contact GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys at (804) 413-6777 or toll-free at (855) 781-6777 for a free consultation. As former U.S. Marines, we do not leave a person behind, and that includes our clients. We stand ready to serve you and fight for you. Call us today.

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Additional Information

• Compartment Syndrome - MedlinePlus
• Compartment Syndrome - OrthoInfo