The Dangers of Seat Belt Injuries

 Posted on May 22, 2024 in Car Accidents

Seat belts have been proven so beneficial that they are now required in passenger vehicles. They can keep you safe in a car in various scenarios where being secured to your seat is important. However, when a car withstands heavy impact, a person inside can be jerked around violently, and the seat belt that is there to keep you safe can end up causing even more injury. The area on a person’s body where the seat belt lies is then prone to further trauma, including lower back and chest fractures, perforated bowls, and intestinal damage. If you or a loved one suffered from seat belt injury following a car accident speak with a skilled Will County, IL personal injury attorney to understand the options for compensation.

What Prognosis Is There with Seat Belt Injury?

Otherwise known as “seat belt syndrome,” seat belt injury covers a wide range of scenarios, and the prognosis depends on each individual’s injuries. For example:

• Cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine fractures: The prognosis will depend on how severely the bone has been disrupted and any neurological issues that present themselves.
• Bowel damage: This can have serious short-term and long-term consequences. However, if there is early enough intervention, many patients do recover.
• Vascular injuries: Some can be significantly aided if there is early detection, but there are some types of vertebral and carotid injuries that can result in irreversible neurological damage even if they are detected and treated early.

Treatment for Seat Belt Injury

Treatment of seat belt injury will naturally depend on the exact type of injury that was suffered. If you have any spinal, viscus, or vascular injuries, you will need to be hospitalized, often to be treated by trauma specialists. Soft tissue, sternum, and rib injuries can often be treated with outpatient care.

Patients are often told not to drive until they have fully recovered. They may also need to take painkillers, another reason they should not be driving, and use ice packs for areas where there is pain and swelling. They should also bring their car in to be evaluated to ensure that it meets acceptable safety standards.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Joliet, IL Personal Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one is suffering from seat belt injury, speak with a knowledgeable Will County, IL car accident attorney. At McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC, we use our experience from previous cases to reveal who is liable and to seek maximum compensation. Call us at 815-727-0100 to schedule a free consultation.