Yes, the sudden force and trauma of a car accident can cause a hernia. If you get a hernia due to a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may seek compensation for your medical care from your auto insurance. However, you may also be eligible to seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. AFort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can help you do so.
Why Can You Get a Hernia From a Car Accident?
Hernias are areas where an organ pushes through because of a weak part of the muscle. They can be extremely painful and may require surgery to repair.
Car accidents can cause hernias due to the sudden impact of trauma on muscles in the body. Some examples include:
- Abdominal hernias are caused by the intense pressure of a seat belt
- The sudden impact causes organs to push through already weakened muscle areas
- Abdominal wall trauma leads to hernias, which are more common in high-speed crashes where the amount of force can easily damage the abdominal wall
Hernias caused by trauma are known as traumatic hernias. These are less common than other forms but are more likely to be seen in high-impact crashes. In Fort Lauderdale, where high-speed collisions are more frequent on roads like I-95 and I-595, the likelihood of these types of injuries increases.
Medical experts have noted that the force from seat belt compression during a collision can rupture abdominal tissue, particularly in thinner individuals or those with pre-existing muscle weaknesses. Even low-speed accidents can cause hernias when combined with sudden twisting or torsion of the torso.
Because traumatic hernias may not be immediately symptomatic, many victims do not realize they have sustained one until days or weeks after the collision. This makes early medical evaluation and follow-up critical for anyone experiencing unexplained abdominal pain, swelling, or nausea after a crash.
Can You Get a Hiatal Hernia From a Car Accident?
Hiatal hernias are slightly different in that they occur when the stomach pushes into the chest because of the gap in your diaphragm. Car accidents can cause hiatal hernias if the diaphragm is strained or hurt during the collision.
When the seat belt applies sudden upward pressure on the abdomen, it can push the stomach into the chest cavity, creating or worsening a hiatal hernia. These hernias can lead to chronic acid reflux, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing.
Diagnosis often involves imaging tests like a CT scan or endoscopy, which may not be performed during the initial ER visit. That’s why ongoing symptoms should never be ignored, especially when they develop shortly after a car accident.
Unlike more visible injuries, hiatal hernias may go unnoticed until they interfere with daily life. The delay in diagnosis can affect both treatment and your ability to file a strong injury claim without thorough documentation.
Can You Recover Compensation for a Car Accident Hernia in Fort Lauderdale?
Because Florida is a no-fault state, you will typically rely on your insurance policy’s mandatorypersonal injury protection (PIP) coverage for medical expenses and lost wages. However, there are some exceptions where you can bring a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
To do so, your case must meet these restrictions:
- Your accident injuries meet Florida’sserious injury threshold
- The other driver was negligent, and it directly led to the accident and your injuries
- You bring the lawsuit within thestatute of limitations for your case (typically two years)
The serious injury threshold can include significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function, permanent injury, and death.
Proving negligence typically involves gathering evidence like police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and even expert testimony. Apersonal injury attorney in Fort Lauderdale can conduct this investigation on your behalf.
In hernia claims, proving that the accident was the direct cause of the injury can be challenging, especially if the hernia developed over time. This is where expert medical opinions are vital. An experienced attorney can work with doctors to show that the hernia’s onset is consistent with the trauma experienced in your crash.
Pre-existing hernias can also complicate your claim. However, under Florida law, aggravation of a pre-existing condition is still compensable. Your lawyer must demonstrate that the accident exacerbated the condition or accelerated the need for surgical intervention.
Insurance adjusters will closely scrutinize the timeline for reporting symptoms and seeking treatment. Delays in seeking care may weaken your claim unless you have clear medical documentation linking your symptoms to the accident.
How Hernias Impact Long-Term Quality of Life and Earning Capacity
Hernias may seem like minor injuries to insurers, but their impact on a person’s ability to work, exercise, or perform daily activities can be significant. For individuals with physically demanding jobs, a hernia may lead to permanent work restrictions or job loss.
Surgical repair often involves lengthy recovery, pain management, and in some cases, permanent limitations on lifting or mobility. Multiple follow-up procedures may be necessary if mesh implants fail or complications, such as infection, occur.
In severe cases, complications like bowel obstruction or strangulation can develop. These emergencies can lead to further hospitalization, extended time away from work, and emotional trauma. All of these factors should be taken into account when calculating compensation.
Choose a Legal Team That Delivers Proven Results
At the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato, we understand how physically and emotionally taxing a post-accident hernia can be. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale injury attorneys have successfully recovered compensation for clients suffering from hidden injuries that insurance companies initially dismissed.
Notable case results include:
- $3.85 million for a truck rollover accident in Fort Lauderdale
- $5.25 million wrongful death recovery in a commercial vehicle crash
- $925,000 for a negligent security shooting in Miami
We investigate every angle of your case, including whether the impact of the crash was sufficient to cause your hernia and if the condition was worsened by delayed or inadequate medical attention.
Our legal team works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no legal fees unless we win your case. We pursue the full scope of your losses, including ongoing treatment costs, lost income, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
Contact Our Car Accident Attorney Today
If you were in a motor vehicle accident and it led to a hernia, you are likely dealing with physical pain alongside the financial stress of the crash. Having a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer who can take on the legal process means giving yourself the time and peace of mind to recover.
Atthe Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato, our legal team can support you at every step of your case. We will investigate the accident and determine all liable parties, file all necessary paperwork, fight for fair compensation, and even represent your case in court when required.
Our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront costs, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. Call (954) 633-8270 today to schedule a complimentary initial consultation.