Experienced Legal Counsel for Compartment Syndrome Cases
Compartment syndrome is a painful and potentially life-threatening complication that can develop after a severe injury such as a broken bone, serious wound, or burn. This syndrome can lead to excruciating pain and, if left untreated, can result in tissue death and permanent disability. Compartment syndrome is common in victims of automobile accidents, crush injuries, and other incidents involving intense force to the limbs or abdomen.
If you or a loved one have developed compartment syndrome as a result of an injury caused by an act of negligence, you have the right to seek compensation from the responsible party. The effects of compartment syndrome can last a lifetime, and our Fort Collins personal injury lawyers at the Tenge Law Firm, LLC, could take action to hold the negligent party accountable and recover the compensation you need to restore the best possible quality of life. For a compassionate ear and a dedicated team, call our firm at (970) 212-4777.
What is Compartment Syndrome?
The muscles in your limbs and abdomen are protected and held in place by nonflexible tissue called fascia. Compartment syndrome is a condition in which the individual muscles (or groups of muscles) swell excessively within a single compartment. Because fascia is not flexible and cannot expand, the swelling places extreme pressure and restricts blood flow, which results in debilitating pain, loss of mobility, and eventual tissue death and loss of nerve function in the limb.
Treating acute compartment syndrome requires immediate surgical intervention to release the pressure. In fact, acute compartment syndrome is considered a medical emergency due to the fact that if it goes untreated it can eventually lead to a life-long disability, kidney damage, or even death. If you are diagnosed with compartment syndrome, then you will likely be rushed into surgery immediately. If your treatment is delayed, then your doctor may be acting negligent in their treatment of you.
How Compartment Syndrome Happens
Compartment syndrome is usually the result of physical trauma caused by some sort of accident. For example, you may find yourself suffering from compartment syndrome following an automobile accident, crush injury, or fall. The reason why these accidents are usually the culprits behind compartment syndrome is because in order for muscle to begin swelling, it often needs to be damaged first. Dangerous accidents can, and often do, lead to serious, compartment syndrome causing injuries, such as:
- Severely bruised muscles
- Fractures
- Crushed limbs
If you suffered a similar injury in an accident, you should be aware of the possibility of compartment syndrome eventually developing. It is in your best interest to be wary of the disorder, and keep your eyes peeled for the signs and symptoms.
Symptoms of Compartment Syndrome
After suffering an injury like a bone break or deep bruising, you should always be on the lookout for compartment syndrome. Catching the syndrome quickly is key to preventing long term issues. Unfortunately, compartment syndrome can be challenging to diagnose due to the pain of a primary injury (such as a fracture). The common symptoms associated with acute compartment syndrome include:
- A higher level of pain than would be typically expected from an injury
- Pain that increases when a muscle is moved or stretched
- A tingling or burning sensation in the muscle
- A feeling of pressure or fullness inside the limb or muscle
- Paralysis, numbness, and loss of basic nervous function
If the condition is diagnosed quickly and surgery performed, most patients can expect a full recovery. If the condition persists too long without surgery, the symptoms of acute compartment syndrome progressively worsen. If not treated quickly, the impacted tissue can die from a lack of blood flow, and victims can suffer total paralysis of a limb, or part of a limb.
Always See a Doctor After an Injury
After an automobile accident, construction injury, slip and fall, or any other type of impact, it is crucial that a qualified medical professional assesses your condition. They can help fix the injury as quickly as possible and follow any steps needed to try and prevent compartment syndrome from developing. If you believe that you are suffering form compartment syndrome, then you should seek medical help immediately. Your doctor can have you wheeled into surgery as soon as you are diagnosed, preventing any long-term consequences and allowing you to recover fully.
Compartment Syndrome: Your Case
If your injury was the result of an act of negligence, then you owe it to yourself and your family to speak to an attorney about your case. The lifelong impairments associated with acute compartment syndrome are very serious and costly, both personally and financially. At the Tenge Law Firm, LLC, our legal team has the experience, legal skills, and resources you want on your side.
Our personal injury firm has over 30 years of experience helping victims recover the compensation they deserve, and we have recovered millions in settlements and jury verdicts over our years in practice. We will never accept the first offer from an insurance company, and will always pursue fair compensation for the people we represent. We offer a free consultation, and offer our legal services on a contingency-fee basis – you don’t pay a dime in legal fees unless we win.
Call us today at (970) 212-4777 to schedule a free consultation.