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After a car accident, injuries can range from minor bruises to life-threatening conditions. Proper monitoring is critical to catch any complications early and prevent severe outcomes. However, failure to monitor key health indicators can lead to worsened conditions and, in some cases, medical malpractice. Attorneys like those at Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co., L.P.A. can attest to how frequently these situations arise when care is not handled appropriately. Below are critical aspects of monitoring that should be prioritized to reduce the risk of oversight.

Health Signs To Monitor Closely

Internal Injuries And Organ Damage

Some injuries, such as internal bleeding or organ damage, are not immediately visible. Regular monitoring through imaging tests like CT scans or ultrasounds can detect these conditions before they escalate. Patients should also be observed for symptoms like abdominal pain, dizziness, or fainting. As a failure to monitor lawyer can explain, your medical caregivers should be on top of this after knowing you have been in a car accident.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Head injuries, even minor ones, require careful attention. Concussions, swelling, or other brain trauma may develop over time. Symptoms like headaches, confusion, or nausea should be taken seriously. Continuous observation is key to managing these issues early. Your doctor should be conducting regular tests to examine your eyes and determine if your head is experiencing any pain.

Spinal Cord And Musculoskeletal Injuries

Spinal injuries may not present symptoms immediately but can lead to significant complications if untreated. Patients should be monitored for back pain, numbness, or difficulty moving. Similarly, broken bones and fractures should be checked for misalignment or delayed healing. Of course, you as the patient must also speak up. After an accident the adrenaline is flowing which masks a lot of pain — if at any time you notice new pain such as in your back, you should alert your doctor immediately.

Respiratory Function And Circulation

Accidents can result in rib fractures or lung injuries that impair breathing. Blood clots and circulation issues may also arise. Monitoring vital signs like oxygen levels, heart rate, and blood pressure can help identify respiratory or circulatory problems early.

Monitoring During Treatment

After Surgery

Post-surgical care is a crucial time when complications like infections, blood clots, or anesthesia-related issues can develop. Patients recovering from surgeries related to car accident injuries should be observed for fever, swelling, or unusual pain levels. Doctors and medical staff should be doing regular check-ins to ensure everything is going well.

Medication Side Effects

Pain management medications, sedatives, or antibiotics often prescribed after car accidents can have side effects. Patients should be observed for allergic reactions, dizziness, or digestive issues to ensure that treatments are working safely.

Importance Of Follow-Up Monitoring

Regular follow-up appointments help track recovery progress and identify delayed complications. Skipping these appointments or failing to run necessary tests increases the risk of overlooking problems that could worsen.

Failure to monitor after a car accident can lead to long-term health problems or even fatal outcomes as a motor vehicle accidents lawyer knows all too well. This is considered a deviation from the standard of care, which can form the basis for a medical malpractice claim. Attorneys often look at how monitoring failures contributed to a patient’s worsened condition when evaluating such cases.

If you or a loved one has been affected by a medical professional’s failure to provide adequate care after an accident, consulting with attorneys can help you understand your options.