A human adult typically has between 1.2 and 1.5 gallons of blood throughout their body, which makes up approximately 10% of their weight. The body can withstand losing some blood, but if an injury causes significant blood loss, exsanguination can follow.
In Illinois, if a loved one was in an accident that occurred because of another party’s negligence and bled out as a result, one of the legal options available is to file a wrongful death claim. But what is exsanguination, and what are the most common causes?
Understanding Exsanguination
Exsanguination is a medical term that refers to severe, life-threatening blood loss. It can occur both internally and externally, meaning that you may not even notice it’s happening until it’s too late to help your loved one.
If a person loses more than 20% of their blood volume, they can go into hypovolemic shock. This occurs when your heart can’t maintain blood pressure and can’t deliver oxygen throughout the body.
Some of the signs that a loved one may display if they’re losing a lot of blood include:
- Cool or clammy skin
- Fast breathing
- Confusion
- Fast pulse
- Weakness
- Low body temperature
- Loss of consciousness
If the problem is caught and addressed quickly, a medical provider may be able to stabilize the person. The problem is that exsanguination can occur rapidly, offering little time for getting your loved one assistance.
Common Causes of Exsanguination In Illinois
Car accidents are a common cause of fatal blood loss in Illinois. The most severe crashes are typically those that involve speeding or large vehicles such as commercial trucks, but even what might appear to be a moderate accident could result in life-threatening injuries that lead to fatal blood loss. Penetrating injuries, especially affecting organs, could mean exsanguination.
Medical malpractice can result in severe blood loss, too. If a surgeon makes a mistake and cuts an artery or if there are complications during childbirth, it can become impossible to stop the hemorrhaging that follows. Exsanguination can also occur if a doctor misdiagnoses a condition or doesn’t provide appropriate follow-up care.
Additionally, people who work in dangerous industries, like construction sites, can suffer injuries that cause severe blood loss. Crushing injuries, falls, and caught-between accidents could all result in internal bleeding, amputations, and penetrating injuries that lead to exsanguination.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim
After a loved one dies from exsanguination because of another party’s conduct, it may be possible to begin a wrongful death claim. In Illinois, only the decedent’s personal representative is allowed to present these cases, but the family can receive the benefits.
It’s vital to begin the wrongful death claim as quickly as possible because there are statutes of limitations that may apply to your case. Generally, Illinois gives you two years to file this type of claim, but it’s never a good idea to wait that long. To have access to relatively fresh evidence, filing quickly after your loved one’s death is essential.
Contact the Chicago Personal Injury Law Firm of Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys for Help Today
If a loved one sustained an injury that led them to bleed out and another party was responsible, then filing a wrongful death claim may be able to help you cover some of the losses you have suffered. From funeral expenses to loss of consortium, the compensation awarded in these claims is meant to help you and your family heal and move forward after an accident.
To have the best chance of receiving fair compensation for the loss of your loved one, it’s important to partner with a lawyer who is experienced in these types of claims. With a tenacious and compassionate attorney by your side, you can pursue both healing and justice.
For more information, please contact the experienced Chicago personal injury lawyers at Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys today. We offer free consultations.
We proudly serve Cook County, Will County, Kendall County, and its surrounding areas:
Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys – Chicago Office
10 S La Salle St STE 1230, Chicago, IL 60603
Phone:(312) 726-1616
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Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys – Joliet Office
195 Springfield Ave, Joliet, IL 60435
Phone: (815) 726-1616
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