Dealing With Infected Wounds After South Carolina Car Accidents

Infections represent a major threat to car accident victims in South Carolina. These complications can make existing injuries worse, and infections may be fatal if left untreated. What can you do if your wound has become infected after a car accident? What kind of compensation might you receive if you work with an experienced auto accident attorney in South Carolina?

What Kinds of Injuries Might Become Infected After a Car Accident?

Various injuries can become infected after South Carolina car accidents. Perhaps the most obvious example is a laceration. Car accident victims may suffer lacerations caused by broken glass, twisted metal, and external objects involved in collisions. Even if victims seek immediate medical attention, these cuts could become infected with various bacteria and germs.

Another potential infection might occur after a case of “road rash.” This injury is frequently associated with motorcycle accidents, and it occurs when riders skid across the roadway. This “friction burn” can remove layers of skin and clothing while embedding gravel, glass, and other foreign objects in the wound. These embedded objects can easily lead to infection, complicating the injury and making it much more serious.

Fractures can also become infected. Virtually any broken bone can lead to infection, and this complication can be potentially fatal. This is particularly true among the senior population, as many elderly people pass away each year from infected hip fractures.

Finally, burns are commonly complicated by infections after car accidents. A burn typically occurs after a fiery car accident, and these injuries can be both disfiguring and extremely painful. Infected burns add another layer of complexity and pain, making them challenging for doctors to treat.

How Are Infections Treated After Car Accidents?

Doctors may treat infections in various ways. Perhaps the most obvious course of action is treatment with antibiotics, and this can help patients fight the bacteria and heal effectively. However, sometimes the infection is too advanced for this type of treatment. In this situation, it may be possible to halt the infection by amputating the affected area of the body. This can be highly distressing for patients, and it may also lead to permanent disabilities (not to mention disfigurement).

Sometimes, amputation is not possible, or the infection may be too advanced. In this situation, the infection may eventually claim the patient’s life.

Can I Receive Additional Compensation for an Infected Wound?

A car accident claim should cover 100% of your medical bills, including those related to infections. However, you should seek treatment as soon as possible after your car accident. If you return from the emergency room and you notice that your wounds are becoming infected, see a doctor as soon as possible. Not only does this ensure proper treatment, but it may also allow you to receive additional compensation for the complication.

Can a South Carolina Auto Accident Attorney Help Me Get Compensation for My Infected Wound?

A South Carolina auto accident attorney may be able to help you get compensation for your infected wound. That being said, prompt treatment is critical when dealing with infections, and you should see a doctor before you worry about the legal details of your case. Once your condition stabilizes, consider reaching out to Mickelsen & Dalton, LLC.

Sources:

 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21815814/

sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2090536X13000221