Exsanguination

Exsanguination refers to extreme blood loss and can be a cause of death. For instance, when a vehicular accident causes an open wound near the carotid artery, the victim is at risk of exsanguination. It may also happen due to gunshot injuries resulting in hemorrhage or blood loss due to damaged blood vessels. Consequently, a person who suffers from exsanguination may need intensive care.

If your injury is due to a third party’s negligence or wrongdoing, you may be able to recover damages. It includes pain and suffering, lost wages from time off work, and other expenses related to your injuries. You should contact an attorney immediately so that you can begin the process of obtaining compensation for your losses.

What are the different causes of exsanguination?

There are a variety of causes of exsanguination. The most common one is trauma to the body, such as an accident or severe injury. A PubMed study stated that a penetrating trauma could decrease the body’s blood volume by up to 40 percent.

Other causes include:

  • Severe blood loss from cancer or tumors
  • Internal bleeding due to kidney failure
  • Blood loss during surgery 

Healthcare providers usually conduct blood volume testing to monitor plasma and red blood cells. They also administer a full blood count (FBC) to check the number of platelets, which prevents and stops bleeding.

Exsanguination can also be due to ruptured arteries, veins, or blood vessels. In addition, some people who have chronic diseases such as hemophilia may suffer from excessive bleeding. This condition requires treatment with clotting factors to stop the flow of blood.

Can medication lead to exsanguination?

Doctors prescribe drugs to treat specific conditions, but most have side effects. Blood thinners treat conditions like atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heartbeat. These medications help prevent clots or blood coagulation from forming in the heart, reducing stroke risk. 

However, some blood thinners or anticoagulant medications can cause patients to bleed out. They can increase your risk of bleeding and other complications if you have an injury or severe illness. 

Signs of excessive bleeding include severe bruising, prolonged nosebleeds, and blood in vomit or urine. Loss of blood can also lead to a severe drop in blood pressure. In such cases, prehospital care is necessary, especially when the patient is at home or in another location.

Though not medication, catheter insertion can also cause a hemorrhage, leading to loss of whole blood. Another PubMed study exposes the risk of Foley catheter placement in patients with severe disorders.

What should you do after exsanguination in a medical malpractice or personal injury case?

After bringing the patient to the hospital, the next step would be to seek compensation for the injury. But first, knowing the differences between medical malpractice and personal injury is essential. 

Medical malpractice happens when a healthcare provider causes an injury to a patient due to a  negligent act or omission. On the other hand, a personal injury lawsuit refers to a civil action that you can file against an individual or entity responsible for your injuries. It allows you to recover damages or compensation for the loss you suffered.

Here are the legal actions you can take when pursuing a medical malpractice or personal injury case.

Contact an attorney as soon as possible

The sooner you can talk to a lawyer, the earlier you understand your rights and make informed decisions. They will explain what steps you must take to ensure you get compensation for your injuries.

For instance, they will present the available legal actions in cases of aortic rupture or hemorrhagic shock during a thoracotomy. In some cases, patients who undergo sedation suffer from terminal hemorrhage. In such situations, an attorney can help determine if the providers offered the appropriate medical interventions for the patients.

Gather evidence 

You can work with your attorney to gather evidence. That gives you more time to build a case against the party that caused your injuries. 

Your lawyer will advise you on what evidence will help your case. This includes taking photos, videos, and audio recordings to prove how your injury occurred. 

Documentation can help establish that someone else was at fault for your injuries – an essential step in getting compensation. You may also use other means, such as talking to witnesses and requesting medical reports. 

Pursue compensation

There are two ways to legally pursue compensation after suffering exsanguination. The first is through trial, and the second is through settlement.

A trial is when the court decides if a defendant is liable for a plaintiff’s injuries. It can determine the monetary compensation you should receive. Trials can be complicated, lengthy processes that can take years to resolve.

Settlement is an agreement between two parties that resolves their dispute outside of court. The terms could include not filing a claim against them again on the same cause of action.

Decide on negotiations or trial 

There are several factors to review when deciding between negotiation or a full-blown trial. It depends on the circumstances surrounding the case. For instance, you and your lawyer must examine whether the offer is reasonable. Fortunately, an experienced lawyer can assess the appropriate action to take.

In case you choose to file a claim and go to trial, the preparation would include the following: 

  • Deciding which witnesses will be called (including their order on the witness list)
  • Preparing legal arguments
  • Developing questions for cross-examination of opposing witnesses and expert witnesses (if necessary)
  • Preserving pieces of evidence and presenting them at trial

An attorney is the best person to carry out these tasks. They have the legal knowledge and experience to prepare for trial and represent you in court.

Pro Tip

Gather evidence after the incident to hold someone accountable for medical malpractice or personal injury. In the former, establish the plaintiff’s duty of care. In the latter, you must prove that they failed to observe reasonable care or “diligence.” Get corroboration of your story to improve your chances that the court will rule in your favor.

Work With Experienced Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury Lawyers 

Exsanguination can be due to many things, including car crashes, falls from heights, and medical negligence. Even medication can lead to extreme blood loss in patients suffering from acute conditions. 

The circumstances of each case are unique. You need sound legal advice and a lawyer’s guidance to navigate medical malpractice and personal injury cases. Only experienced attorneys can determine whether it is best to negotiate and settle the case or go to court. Either way, a lawyer will keep your best interests in mind and help ensure you get fair compensation for your losses.

At The Personal Injury Center, we understand the challenges experienced by exsanguination victims and their families. We compiled a list of reliable lawyers specializing in this area to address these issues. 

We also have extensive resources to help exsanguination victims achieve the best possible outcome for their claims. Visit our website today for a free consultation!

Do you need help navigating the legal system in a medical malpractice or personal injury case? The Personal Injury Center can help protect your rights. Talk to us today!

FAQs on Exsanguination

Individuals suffering from extreme blood loss can survive, provided they receive medical attention quickly. Their recovery also depends on the injury's severity and amount of blood loss.

A hemorrhage and exsanguination are not the same. A hemorrhage is blood loss due to damaged blood vessels.

Exsanguination is severe blood loss due to various causes. A hemorrhage may lead to exsanguination, but it is only one way.

It only takes three minutes for a person to bleed out entirely from a ruptured artery. Apply pressure on the wound with a cloth to slow the bleeding until you get proper medical attention.