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Colorado Springs Compartment Syndrome Attorneys

Legal Representation for Clients with Compartment Syndrome

Compartment syndrome is a serious and painful condition that can develop after a severe injury. Crush injuries, bone fractures, and severely bruised muscles can lead to acute compartment syndrome, requiring immediate medical attention. You may be entitled to compensation if you have developed compartment syndrome from injuries caused by an act of negligence.

We at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. have seen just how debilitating these kinds of injuries can be. Compartment syndrome is considered a medical emergency for good reason. The potential long-term impacts of untreated compartment syndrome can easily leave your life in shambles. Holding those responsible for your injury accountable for the development of your syndrome accountable for their negligence is an incredibly important step in getting justice, as well as compensation. If you or a loved one have suffered from compartment syndrome as a result of negligence, then call our firm at (719) 475-2555. We want to help you.

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What Is Compartment Syndrome?

Groups of muscles in the arms and legs are divided by bands of tissue called fascia. Within each fascia is an opening or compartment containing nerves, blood vessels, and muscle tissue. Compartment syndrome occurs when too much pressure builds up within and between the muscles in the compartments. This pressure is incredibly dangerous as it can cause damage to the muscles and nerves and lead to decreased blood flow in the affected area.

Fascia are incredibly stiff, and so do not expand, even when pressure has built up inside a compartment. That means that this pressure has nowhere to go, and will keep building until it is relieved. When swelling begins within a compartment, it pushes the fascia against the muscles. This can block blood flow in the area and lead to permanent damage.

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Common Causes of Compartment Syndrome

Acute compartment syndrome is often caused by severe trauma to a limb, for example in a motor vehicle accident or a construction accident. As experienced Colorado Springs personal injury attorneys, we have worked with many clients who developed compartment syndrome. In our experience, some of the more common causes of compartment syndrome include:

Any accident that can cause the muscles in a compartment to become bruised and injured, thus causing swelling and pressure, has the potential to result in compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome, if left untreated, can cause mass cell death, which can result in a number of issues such as organ damage, muscle death, and even the paralysis of the impacted limb. Quick treatment is key in preventing further complications.

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Compartment Syndrome Diagnosis and Treatment

To diagnose acute compartment syndrome, the doctor will measure the pressure in the compartment, as well as ask you about the symptoms you are experiencing. Symptoms of compartment syndrome include:

  • Intense pain in the impacted limb
  • Pain that increases when the muscle is used or stretch
  • Tingling or burning sensation in the skin
  • Full or tight feeling in the muscle
  • Paralysis or numbness (late symptoms indicating permanent damage)

Acute compartment syndrome requires emergency surgical intervention. The doctor makes an incision through the skin and fascia covering the compartment. The swelling may be too severe to close the incision immediately, in which case it will be repaired surgically after the swelling subsides. A skin graft may be needed.

Treatment should be given as quickly as possible. The pressure that occurs with compartment syndrome can decrease blood flow to the affected area. This deprives the nerves and muscles of essential oxygen and nourishment. Without emergency medical attention, compartment syndrome can cause permanent disability and tissue death. Which is why if you believe you have compartment syndrome, but your diagnosis is taking too long, you should seek a second opinion. After your diagnosis you should receive the surgery as soon as is possible in order to avoid any lasting complications.

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Why You Need a Colorado Springs Injury Lawyer

If you developed compartment syndrome after an accident caused by the negligence of another, it is in your best interests to speak with an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. This is a serious medical condition requiring emergency surgery and hospitalization, and if not treated quickly, could lead to permanent disability. Even if your compartment syndrome is treated quickly and effectively, the stay in the hospital, the surgery, and any medication or physical therapy required for recovery will likely run you a high hospital bill. Thankfully, if your compartment syndrome was caused by someone else’s negligence, you make have options.

Our lead Colorado Springs personal injury lawyer at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. provides individualized representation and works to recover the compensation you deserve. He has been named among the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers, rated AV® by Martindale-Hubbell®, and rated 10.0 Superb by Avvo. We offer a free initial consultation with no obligation. Contact us at (719) 475-2555 if you have suffered compartment syndrome after sustaining an injury in an incident in which another party acted in a negligent manner, whether a vehicle accident, construction accident, or other incident causing an impact on the body.

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Additional Information

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