What Is Exsanguination and How Does It Occur?
Blood makes up about 10% of an adult’s weight. The heart pumps it throughout the body, bringing nutrients and oxygen to all tissues while helping remove waste products so the body can eliminate them. A significant drop in blood volume can make it harder for the heart to pump, which can be a life-threatening problem.
Exsanguination refers to someone losing so much blood that the heart can no longer send oxygen or nutrients to vital organs. This can lead to organ damage, followed by death. If the bleeding is not stopped in time, exsanguination can occur. Learn more about what this could mean and how it can happen.
What Are Some Signs and Symptoms of Exsanguination?
Exsanguination rapidly leads to hemorrhagic shock and, sometimes, to hypovolemic shock. Hemorrhagic shock causes cells to switch from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism, a less efficient process that produces lactic acid.
It can cause someone to experience symptoms such as:
- Rapid heart rate
- Cold or clammy skin
- Decreased urine output
- Low blood pressure
- Lethargy
- Confusion
Hypovolemic shock due to exsanguination occurs when someone loses more than 20% of their blood volume. Symptoms include extreme weakness, sweating, extreme anxiety and confusion, and low body temperature. Unconsciousness rapidly follows. If the blood loss is not stopped and fluids replenished, hypovolemic shock can be fatal.
Internal vs. External Bleeding
Exsanguination can result from either internal or external bleeding. External bleeding happens when blood leaves the body through an open wound. This type of bleeding is usually easier to identify because the blood is visible.
Internal bleeding occurs when blood collects inside the body instead of flowing outside of it. Because it is not always immediately visible, internal bleeding can be especially dangerous. Victims may not realize they are seriously injured until symptoms worsen.
Both internal and external bleeding can become life-threatening if not treated quickly. In severe cases, either type may lead to hemorrhagic shock, organ failure, or death due to a lack of blood circulating through the body. Immediate medical attention is critical anytime significant blood loss is suspected.
Common Causes of Exsanguination
Most of the time, exsanguination occurs as a result of trauma. Car and motorcycle accidents are common causes, with everything from traumatic amputations to organ damage being potential reasons for bleeding out.
Workplace accidents can cause these fatal injuries, too, especially in settings with heavy machinery and power tools. Workers can have limbs pulled into machines or could suffer severe falls that cause internal bleeding.
It is also possible for exsanguination to be the result of a medical malpractice incident. For example, if a surgeon damages a vital blood vessel during a procedure or is unable to stop a hemorrhage during a birth, patients can die. Providers can also prescribe the wrong medications, which could lead to clotting issues and internal bleeding.
Legal Options After a Loved One’s Exsanguination
If a loved one dies as a result of exsanguination caused by another party’s negligent or wrongful conduct, one of the legal options the family may have is to pursue a wrongful death claim. These procedures are similar to those in personal injury cases, except that the victim is no longer able to pursue legal action themselves.
In Alabama, only the estate’s personal representative can begin these claims. The family, however, may receive compensation for their loss.
These claims require demonstrating that the defendant’s conduct resulted in your loved one’s bleeding out. That means establishing that a duty of care existed that the defendant failed to uphold. You will also need to show that your loved one’s injuries were caused directly by the other party’s behavior.
Contact Our Birmingham Personal Injury Lawyers at Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers to Schedule a Free Consultation
Wrongful death claims involve complex legal processes. You will need to gather a substantial amount of evidence to demonstrate your loved one died as a result of misconduct, and you’ll have to negotiate with insurance companies for fair compensation. If negotiations are not successful, you may need to take your case to trial.
To have the chance to obtain the settlement or award your family needs, it’s important to work with an attorney who knows how to effectively fight for your rights.
Contact an experienced Birmingham Personal Injury lawyer at Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today.
We serve Shelby County, Madison County, Montgomery County in Alabama, and its surrounding areas. We are located in Birmingham, Huntsville & Montgomery.
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