Exsanguination is the medical term for severe blood loss that can become life-threatening if not treated quickly. Commonly referred to as “bleeding out,” exsanguination may occur after a traumatic accident, violent assault, or medical emergency. Because the body relies on blood to deliver oxygen and nutrients to vital organs, significant blood loss can rapidly lead to shock, organ failure, and death.
Understanding how exsanguination occurs can help families recognize the serious consequences of traumatic injuries and the importance of prompt medical treatment.
Understanding Exsanguination
Exsanguination refers to a potentially fatal loss of blood. It is also known as bleeding out and can occur as a result of a visible, external injury or as a consequence of internal bleeding and organ damage.
Once blood loss progresses, hypovolemic shock can begin. This happens when the heart can’t pump blood to other organs, which rapidly leads to organ failure. Typically, hypovolemic shock develops when you lose more than 20% of your blood volume.
Anyone who loses a significant amount of blood can experience symptoms that include:
- Rapid breathing
- Fast pulse
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Significant sweating
- Skin that feels cool to the touch
- Low body temperature
As blood loss continues, the person may become agitated before losing consciousness. If the problem is not rapidly addressed, death can soon follow.
Common Causes of Exsanguination
Exsanguination often occurs because of traumatic events. Car accidents and falls can cause injuries like amputations, blood vessel and organ damage, and a variety of other life-threatening injuries. All too often, these injuries are not immediately visible, leading to delays in treatment that allow internal blood loss to continue.
Assaults are another cause of exsanguination. Gunshots and stabbings, as well as blunt force attacks, can all cause severe bleeding.
Additionally, it’s possible for exsanguination to occur because of medical malpractice. Errors during surgical procedures or a failure to promptly diagnose and treat certain medical conditions can sometimes cause a patient to bleed out.
Can Exsanguination Lead to a Wrongful Death or Personal Injury Claim?
In some cases, exsanguination occurs because another person or entity acted negligently. For example, a reckless driver, property owner, healthcare provider, or other responsible party may have caused the injuries that ultimately led to severe blood loss.
When exsanguination results from someone else’s negligence, injured victims or surviving family members may have legal options. A personal injury or wrongful death claim may help recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and other losses related to the incident.
How Can an Attorney Help After a Fatal Injury?
Cases involving fatal injuries often require a detailed investigation to determine exactly what happened and whether another party may be legally responsible. Establishing liability may involve reviewing accident reports, medical records, witness statements, expert opinions, and other evidence.
An experienced personal injury attorney can help identify responsible parties, preserve important evidence, and evaluate the full extent of the damages suffered by surviving family members. Early legal guidance can be especially important when dealing with complex accidents or situations involving catastrophic injuries.
Contact the Anchorage Personal Injury Attorneys at Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Losing a loved one because of exsanguination can be devastating, especially when the injury may have been preventable. If you believe another person’s negligence contributed to the incident, Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers can help you understand your legal rights and options.
Our Anchorage personal injury lawyers can investigate the circumstances surrounding the injury, identify responsible parties, and help your family pursue the compensation and accountability you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
For more information, please contact Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We have two locations in Alaska, including Anchorage and Eagle River.
Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers – Anchorage
2525 Gambell St #410,
Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 290-8980
Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers – Eagle River
13135 Old Glenn Hwy, Suite 101
Eagle River, AK 99577
(907) 802-4097