What is Liver Laceration?
The liver is one of the most important organs in the body. The liver helps the body digest food and process toxins. Without the liver, people will become seriously ill and eventually die. Therefore, liver lacerations require the immediate attention of a trained medical provider. Some of the ways that people might suffer liver laceration include:
- A penetrating injury of the right upper quadrant, where the liver sits.
- Sustaining blunt trauma to the abdomen in a motor vehicle collision.
- Involvement in a physical assault.
- Playing contact sports such as lacrosse, basketball, soccer, or football.
Any blow to the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, just beneath the rib cage, could lead to a liver laceration. It is important for people to understand some of the signs and symptoms of a liver laceration so that they can receive proper medical care.
Symptoms of a Liver Laceration
The liver is a soft-tissue organ that sits just beneath the rib cage on the right side of the body. It is protected by skin, fascia, and the abdominal muscles. When the liver is lacerated, it starts to bleed and release digestive enzymes into the abdominal cavity. Some of the symptoms of a liver laceration include:
- Severe abdominal pain located in the right upper quadrant
- Pain that gets worse with movement
- Significant bruising of the right upper quadrant
- Sweating, a rising heart rate, and a rising respiratory rate
- Pain that gets worse with eating
Typically, a liver laceration is diagnosed using a combination of the symptoms described above as well as imaging scans. These imaging scans include CT scans and MRIs that are useful in grading the laceration of the liver.
Treatment of a Laceration of the Liver
Depending on the grade of the liver laceration, the treatment will vary. Small liver lacerations, such as grade one lacerations, might be treated with rest and pain management alone. On the other hand, severe liver lacerations, such as grade four lacerations, could require emergency surgery. Large liver lacerations could lead to internal bleeding which might be life-threatening.
In a surgical procedure, a trained surgeon will open up the abdomen and expose the liver. Then, he or she will close the liver laceration using surgical sutures. This will stop the internal bleeding and allow the liver to heal. The recovery process following a liver laceration could be prolonged.
Watch YouTube Video: 6 Early Warning Signs of Liver Damage. This animated video provides a look at some of the early signs of liver damage.
Contacting an Injury Lawyer
Some liver lacerations could be significant enough to require emergency surgical repair. When a loved one requires emergency surgery, it is normal for family members to have questions. The stress and uncertainty regarding the future could leave families looking for answers. In this situation, it is important to ask for help from a personal injury lawyer in Sacramento. Some of the benefits of working with an experienced injury attorney include:
- Having an experienced professional who can help families make objective decisions during a difficult time.
- Assistance pursuing damages related to any traumatic injuries, their complications, and even pain and suffering.
- Guidance in moving a case to trial when needed.
Lastly, families need to know that help is always available. Reach out to a Sacramento personal injury lawyer to learn more. You might be entitled to a monetary award.
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer. A liver laceration is a serious injury that could lead to life-threatening internal bleeding. If you or a family member has needed surgery to repair a liver laceration, please give me a call at (800) 404-5400 or (916) 921-6400 for free, friendly legal advice.
I am proud to be a lawyer in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and in the Top One Percent, a National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
My visitors and guests are encouraged to take a look at the catalog of our verdicts or settlements.
Feel free to go to Yelp, Avvo, & Google for some of our client reviews.
:dr 0p cha [cs 680]