Aortic Dissection Injuries (Torn Aorta)

Our Houston car accident attorneys fight to recover financial compensation

Seat belts and airbags provide important protection for drivers and passengers in car accidents and play a vital role in minimizing injuries. But in high-speed crashes, these safety features could also have an unintended effect. The force of impact can result in a serious injury called aortic dissection, or torn aorta.

The experienced car accident attorneys at Smith & Hassler understand the impact a serious injury can have on victims and their families. We build strong cases that insurance companies have to take seriously. And we are determined to help clients recover the compensation they deserve, whether through a negotiated settlement or a jury verdict.

Aortic dissection can occur in high-speed accidents

The aorta is the largest artery in the human body, extending from the heart’s lower left chamber. In a car crash, a person’s chest can be violently impacted by a seat belt or airbag. This trauma can lead to a tear or rupture in the aorta – also known as aortic dissection. Symptoms of a traumatic aortic tear or rupture include pain in the chest, back or abdomen. Internal bleeding can occur and blood supply to internal organs is reduced.

This is a life-threatening injury. Without immediate medical attention, a victim can suffer damage to the heart, kidney or liver failure, or permanent brain damage. In many cases, these injuries are fatal. Diagnosis can be difficult because of other injuries suffered in the crash. Aortic dissection is often discovered in an imaging test, such as a CT scan.

Treatment of an aortic dissection caused by a seatbelt or airbag often involves emergency surgery to repair the damage. Victims may require hospitalization, medication and follow-up visits with doctors. A person who had surgery for a torn aorta may not be able to go back to work. There is less income coming in just as medical bills are starting to add up.

Who is responsible for paying damages for an aortic dissection after a car accident? Your accident may have been caused by a driver who was speeding, texting or operating recklessly. But these drivers often deny doing anything wrong and may even try to blame you. Our attorneys fight to hold negligent drivers accountable.

We fight for the compensation you deserve

Our legal team can investigate your accident to get the facts. We gather evidence such as footage from traffic cameras. We carefully review accident reports and medical records, and interview witnesses. If needed, we consult accident reconstruction experts and other specialists who can help us understand how the crash happened.

Our attorneys know the tactics that insurance companies use to try to pay you less following an aortic dissection after a car accident. These include questioning the seriousness of your injuries or arguing they were pre-existing. They may offer you a settlement that falls far short of covering the damages you suffered.

We fight to help you recover the maximum compensation possible. Many times, we are able to negotiate a settlement that meets your needs. But if the insurance company won’t agree to a fair settlement, we are ready to fight for you in court.

If you or a loved one suffered a torn aorta after a car accident, it’s important to get legal advice as soon as possible. Our attorneys are ready to meet with you to discuss your options. Contact us to schedule a free consultation at one of our offices.