Tetanus Contraction Following Auto Accidents
Driving comes with serious risks and responsibility. When someone gets behind the wheel of a car, there is always a chance that an auto accident can occur. Sometimes, these accidents can even lead to serious injuries and fatalities. According to some of the statistics from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:
- In 2016 alone, there were more than 34,000 car accidents that led to a fatality.
- These accidents resulted in the deaths of close to 37,500 people.
- In the state of California, there were more than 3,000 fatal car accidents in 2016.
These statistics serve to highlight just how dangerous car accidents can be not only in California but across the entire country. Sometimes, there are unexpected complications that can result from an auto accident. One of these involves tetanus.
Tetanus Contraction Following an Auto Accident is Possible
Tetanus is a dangerous bacterial infection transmitted by Clostridium Tetani. It is often found on rusty metal and people can actually contract tetanus in an auto accident. If someone sustains a penetrating wound from a piece of metal during a collision, they could be incubated with the tetanus bacteria. Tetanus enters the body through an open wound and the trauma associated with a car accident provides an easy portal of entry. This dangerous bacteria could place an infected individual in a hospital, so there are a few important points about tetanus that people should remember.
Symptoms and Treatment of Tetanus
For those who may not know, tetanus can cause some serious symptoms that might even merit a trip to a hospital. Of note, tetanus incubates for an average of seven days before symptoms start to appear. Some of the common signs that people should look for include:
- Spasms and stiffness of the jaw muscles
- Trouble rotating, extending and flexing the neck
- Trouble swallowing
- Possible abdominal cramping
- Fever
- High heart rate
- Sweating
- Possible full-body spasms that are often triggered by physical contact
If tetanus affects the respiratory muscles, people could have trouble breathing and should go to a hospital. The treatment of tetanus often consists of symptomatic management, such as muscle relaxants and pain medications, along with:
- A possible anti-toxin that could alleviate symptoms if caught early.
- Antibiotics to fight the tetanus bacteria.
- Blood pressure and heart rate medications.
Everyone should also remember that tetanus can be prevented with the tetanus booster (Tdap) vaccine that is given once every 10 years.
Help from a Lawyer
When someone contracts tetanus following a car accident, there are numerous complications that can result and some of these could even place people in a hospital. Occasionally, people could even wind up intubated and be placed in the ICU. When this happens, family members are understandably concerned. There are many questions that people have when a loved one is seriously hurt in a car accident. In these situations, it is helpful to sit down and speak with a car accident lawyer in Sacramento. A trained attorney has the tools and experience necessary to help family members during stressful times.
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Sacramento Car Accident Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. Tetanus is a serious disease which can have permanent complications. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a car accident, call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly legal advice.
I am a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
See our verdicts or settlements here.
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Tetanus Contraction Following Auto Accidents: AutoAccident.com
Image Attribution: The photo at the start of this article is seen in its original form on Unsplash. The image has been reproduced here with permission/ Tetanus Contraction Following Auto Accidents.
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