Exsanguination refers to the rapid loss of blood, leading to hemorrhagic shock and potentially hypovolemic shock. This severe blood loss can have life-threatening consequences and result in permanent impairments.
Exsanguination Leading to Hemorrhagic Shock
Losing blood can trigger numerous health problems. There are four classes of hemorrhagic shock based on how much blood is lost, including:
- Class I – Losing up to 15% of your blood volume with a pulse rate under 100 beats per minute
- Class II – Losing 15% to 30% of your blood volume with a pulse rate of 100 to 120 beats per minute
- Class III – Losing 30% to 40% of your blood volume with a pulse rate of 120 to 140 beats per minute
- Class IV – Losing more than 40% of your blood volume with a pulse rate greater than 140 beats per minute
Exsanguination can result in external or internal bleeding. Internal bleeding is extremely dangerous because you may not recognize what is happening. Call 911 for emergency medical services if you experience any symptoms of exsanguination.
The Potential Symptoms and Signs of Life-Threatening Blood Loss
Timely medical help is crucial if you experience blood loss. Exsanguination symptoms include:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Severe pain
- Rapid breathing
- Loss of consciousness or confusion
- Clammy skin that is sweaty or moist
- Pale skin
- Dizziness or weakness
- Reduced or no urine output
Rapid heart rate and breathing typically occur after you lose about 30% of your blood supply. Your blood pressure also drops as you lose blood. Do not delay calling 911 or going to the emergency room. Every minute counts when you are rapidly losing blood.
Complications of Exsanguination and Massive Blood Loss
As you continue to lose blood, your heart, brain, and other organs do not receive sufficient oxygen, triggering organ failure. Exsanguination can cause a heart attack as your heart works harder to pump blood.
You may experience gangrene in the legs and arms, leading to amputation of limbs. Loss of oxygen to the brain can cause hypoxic or anoxic brain injury. Permanent brain damage can result in cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments.
Fatal blood loss may occur. The victim’s family may have a wrongful death claim if the blood loss was due to someone’s negligence or wrongdoing.
What Are the Causes of Exsanguination?
Exsanguination can happen for many reasons. The causes include, but are not limited to:
- Trauma that causes external or internal injuries, including motor vehicle accidents, falls, construction accidents, defective products, and workplace accidents
- Assaults and intentional acts that cause internal bleeding, puncture wounds, and deep lacerations
- Defective drugs used to prevent blood clotting
- Side effects from dangerous drugs
- Misdiagnosis of internal trauma after an accident
- Postpartum hemorrhage after childbirth
- Surgical complications, including surgical errors and medical malpractice
Blood disorders, rare medical conditions, ruptured blood vessels, gastrointestinal disorders, and aneurysms may also cause exsanguination.
What Damages Can I Receive in a Minnesota Exsanguination Injury Claim?
If another party’s wrongdoing caused your exsanguination injury, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses.
Examples of the economic and non-economic damages you could receive include:
- Past and future medical expenses and bills
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Rehabilitative therapy and treatment
- Impairments and disabilities
- Lost wages, salaries, and benefits
- Pain and suffering damages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Loss of quality of life and enjoyment of life
- Long-term nursing and/or personal care
The complications and long-term consequences of exsanguination can result in significant financial losses and suffering. The party responsible for the cause of the harm could be liable. However, you must prove negligence or another legal cause of action to recover compensation for your injuries.
Get Legal Help With an Injury Claim Involving Exsanguination
If another party caused your injury or accident, call for a free consultation with a Minneapolis personal injury lawyer. Our legal team can explain your options and help you understand the process of pursuing an injury claim.
Contact the Minneapolis Personal Injury Law Firm of Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys For Help Today
For more information, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have three convenient locations in Minnesota, including Minneapolis, St. Cloud, and Edina.
We proudly serve Hennepin County, Stearns County, and its surrounding areas:
Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys – Minneapolis
825 Nicollet Mall, Suite 615
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(800) 292-1979
Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys – St. Cloud
1010 W St Germain St # 320
St Cloud, MN 56301
(320) 255-1000
Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys – Edina
5200 Willson Rd #203
Edina, MN 55424
(952) 697-5560
