Compartment Syndrome Is Much More Dangerous Than You May Think

You’ve worked for the same construction company for over two decades now, and consider yourself at the top of your game. You specialize in residential work and love building folks the homes of their dreams. Recently you and your co-workers began renovating a charming rancher in Bay View on Sturgis Street. Although the house was recently built, it required a good amount of overhaul.

You were standing on your ladder making an adjustment to a piece of crown molding when your co-worker accidentally bumped into you. After trying to stay balanced, you fell off the ladder and landed hard on the floor, hurting your arm. After a trip to Sentara General Hospital, you learned it was broken.

What You Should Know About Compartment Syndrome

The next morning you awoke to even more pain than you experienced the day before. You phoned the doctor and he said it sounded normal, but could also be a symptom of compartment syndrome. Having never heard of it, you are wondering how worried you should be.

Compartment syndrome occurs when excessive pressure builds up inside an enclosed space in the body, typically because of bleeding or swelling. The high pressure can impede blood flow to and from the affected tissues, which can cause severe and permanent damage.  There are three types of compartment syndrome: acute, chronic, and abdominal.  Symptoms and treatments include:

• Acute. The most common type, this condition presents itself mere hours or days after the injury occurs and typically requires surgery.
• Chronic. The chronic condition can take weeks to begin displaying symptoms and may only require physical therapy.
• Abdominal. The most dangerous type, abdominal compartment syndrome can develop after a severe injury and is extremely painful. It is often life-threatening and may require the use of life support measures.

You Have Rights

Those who are injured in accidents have rights, and the attorneys of Tavss Fletcher want to help you fight for them. Contact us today to speak with an attorney about what we may be able to do for you.