Internal injury compensation
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Our solicitors are here to provide support if you have suffered an internal injury that was not your fault.
As specialists in serious injury claims, we understand how traumatic, worrying and difficult dealing with an internal injury can be.
We offer expert assistance, empathy and understanding to move claims forward in the best way for you.
Do get in touch to tell us about your situation and find out how we can help.
Can I claim compensation for an internal injury?
You can claim compensation if you or a loved one has suffered an internal injury due to someone else’s negligence.
It is only possible to make a claim when the outcome for the individual was worse due to the negligence suffered. For example, if treatment for an internal injury was delayed due to medical negligence, compensation could be awarded if that delay led to a more severe outcome.
Internal injury compensation may result from a serious accident or incident, such as a car crash or animal related incident, industrial or workplace illness or injury. It could also be down to medical negligence or a surgical mistake.
Our medical negligence claims team can help where an internal injury is the result of misdiagnosis or poor treatment. Help is also available where an internal injury caused more harm than it would have done due to delays or mistakes in diagnosis or treatment.
If a loved one suffered an internal injury and died, our fatal injury team can help you get answers and damages.
Our mental capacity specialists are there for when an injured person cannot make decisions or claim for themselves.
Common internal injury claims
Internal injury claims commonly result from medical negligence, mistakes during surgery and due to traumatic injuries.
Any internal injury that would not have happened if it had not been for someone else’s negligent actions may result in a damages payment.
Internal injury is a possibility during some surgery and medical treatments. Patients should be properly warned of this. If not, that can amount to negligence.
Internal injury claims commonly arise in relation to:
penetrating trauma (where something punctured the skin) and blunt trauma (where the injury results from a blow or pressure that did not puncture the skin)
- abdominal aorta aneurysm, which is screened for in men aged 65 and over in England
- brain injuries
- collapsed lung / pneumothorax
- gynaecology related issues
- peritonitis, perhaps due to missed or delayed diagnosis, surgery, injury to the stomach or a burst stomach ulcer or appendix that wasn’t properly treated
- internal bleeding (due to a surgical injury, traumatic accident or an untreated illness such as a stomach ulcer)
- organ injury
- ruptured spleen, commonly caused in road traffic collisions, falls or when ribs are broken
Internal injury claims often arise due to:
- surgical errors
- medical negligence
- workplace accidents
- road traffic collisions
- animal related incidents, especially crushing by a large animal like a cow
If you have suffered any kind of internal injury and believe someone else was to blame, we can help.
ERIC WAS 45 WHEN HE SUDDENLY HAD SEVERE PAIN IN HIS ABDOMEN, THE PAIN SPREAD TO HIS BACK, HE BECAME HOT AND CLAMMY AND WAS TAKEN TO ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY.
Missed diagnosis of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)
We secured damages of £325,000 for the widow of 45-year-old Eric* who suffered an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and died when it was not spotted by medics.
An expert in emergency medicine reported that Eric’s symptoms were typical of AAA. He should have been scanned and sent urgently to a surgeon. A surgeon reported that there was a 70% likelihood of surgery saving his life.
Eric had suffered sudden severe pain in his abdomen and was taken to hospital by ambulance. He saw a doctor who carried out an ECG and thought there was a problem with his heart. He was admitted to a cardiology ward but died 24 hours later.
A post mortem showed that Eric had suffered a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) – part of the main blood vessel from his heart had become weak and ballooned out. The weakened vessel then split and he suffered a massive bleed.
It took some time for the hospital to accept liability.
Our fatal injury claims team understand that no amount of money can compensate for the death of a loved one. Our solicitors work hard to secure damages to help families cope when the worst happens and uncover exactly what happened to their loved one. Families often take some comfort in a reassurance that the same mistake is less likely to affect someone else.
*name has been changed
How long do I have to claim for an internal injury?
Claims usually need to be brought within three years of the injury or you becoming aware of the negligence. However, there are circumstances where that does not apply.
In cases involving children the time limit is extended to three years after their 18th birthday (to their 21st birthday).
If someone has mental capacity issues, such as due to a brain injury or pre-existing learning difficulty, there is no deadline to make a claim.
If you have been injured and are not sure if you are still in time to make a claim, it is best to speak to a solicitor for advice.
Do I need a specialist solicitor for an internal injury compensation claim?
Specialist medical negligence and personal injury solicitors are best placed to support you with a compensation claim.
We have deep connections with medical specialists who can help you to understand the long-term needs your injury may lead to. We then ensure compensation is in place to link you to the full range of help you require. Our experience allows us to maximise the damages you receive and uncover explanations of what happened in your case.
Because we have worked with lots of other people who have suffered internal injuries we also have a deep understanding of the stresses you may be under. Our solicitors strive to relieve as much pressure from you in relation to the legal process and accessing care and support.
Discover what our clients say about us via: Why choose Enable Law?
How much can I claim for an internal injury?
Compensation for internal injuries can range from hundreds of pounds to many thousands or even more than a million.
The amount of damages depends heavily on the cost of ongoing care, equipment and treatment required. Someone young who has lifelong needs as a result of their injury is likely to qualify for a much higher award.
There are two elements to damages awards. One is the ‘special damages’ element, which takes into account all costs you may face as a result of your injury. This covers things like loss of earnings, house adaptations and carer costs and can add up to a very large sum.
The other is ‘general damages,’ which is an amount of pain and suffering and is based on specific guidelines depending on the type of injury suffered. General damages can be significant but are often less than the special damages element calculated based on your individual circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
You can find more frequently asked questions, as well as in-depth client guides, via our: Guides and FAQs page.
