Despite safety measures, construction workers remain vulnerable to serious injuries on the job, especially internal injuries that often go unnoticed. While cuts and broken bones are easy to spot, damage to internal organs can be much harder to detect and far more dangerous.
Due to their hidden nature and long-term impact, construction accident lawsuits involving internal trauma are increasingly common. Workers may require urgent medical intervention and face lasting health challenges.
In this article, we’ll explore the most common internal injuries caused by construction accidents, their underlying causes, and why timely diagnosis and treatment are critical to preventing serious complications.
This article outlines the leading causes and types of internal injuries workers may face on construction sites and explains why quick medical attention is crucial.
Causes of Internal Injuries on Construction Sites
Internal injuries on construction sites usually result from blunt-force trauma or penetrative trauma. Blunt-force trauma happens when a worker is struck by or falls against a hard surface without breaking the skin.
Penetrative trauma occurs when an object pierces the skin and damages internal organs. Falls are a leading cause of internal injuries, as the impact can rupture organs or cause internal bleeding that might not be immediately visible.
Workers can also suffer internal injuries when crushed between machinery, vehicles, or heavy materials. These crush injuries can break ribs or bones and puncture organs. Being hit by falling objects or sharp projectiles like nails and metal fragments can cause penetrating trauma.
Accidents involving power tools, machinery, or vehicles on-site also contribute to the risk of internal organ damage.
Common Types of Internal Injuries
Specific internal injuries are more common and particularly dangerous for construction workers:
- Ruptured spleen: Often caused by blunt trauma to the abdomen, this injury can lead to severe internal bleeding. Removal of the spleen may weaken the immune system permanently.
- Abdominal aortic rupture: The abdominal aorta is a major blood vessel, and its rupture causes rapid internal bleeding that can be fatal without immediate treatment.
- Lung injuries: Penetrating wounds or inhaling harmful particles can collapse a lung or cause chronic lung problems.
- Kidney damage: Trauma to the kidneys, either blunt or penetrating, may lead to infections or kidney failure.
- Brain injuries: These can result from direct blows or from oxygen deprivation and exposure to toxic substances, potentially causing long-term cognitive and physical disabilities.
Importance of Prompt Medical Care
Internal injuries often do not show apparent symptoms right away, making them especially dangerous. Workers must seek emergency medical care after any significant construction accident, even if there are no visible wounds.
Treatment delays raise the chance of complications and even death. Early detection of internal damage can be facilitated by recognizing symptoms such as excruciating pain, lightheadedness, dyspnea, or oedema.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment decrease long-term harm and increase the likelihood of recovery.
Takeaway
Internal injuries from construction accidents are serious and can be life-threatening. They require specialized medical attention and can have long-term effects on a worker’s health and ability to work.
Knowing the common causes and types of these injuries highlights the importance of safety precautions and immediate medical response on construction sites. Awareness and timely care are essential to minimize the impact of these hidden but severe injuries.
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