Know the Signs of Shock After an Accident

Shock can occur when an individual's blood pressure reaches a dangerously low level, which can happen for a variety of reasons. Septic shock is the result of a bacterial infection, anaphylactic shock occurs as the result of an allergic reaction, cardiogenic shock is the result of heart damage, and hypovolemic shock is the result of blood or fluid loss. When shock occurs after a workplace accident, it is often hypovolemic shock. This can occur when a victim suffers an injury that causes him or her to lose an unsafe amount of blood or fluid, which could happen in an excessively hot work environment. Hypovolemic shock can be life-threatening. If there is an accident in your workplace and anybody involved suffers a severe laceration, call 911 immediately to have him or her receive emergency medical care.

Symptoms of hypovolemic shock include:

• Dizziness;
• Fainting;
• Fatigue;
• Pallor;
• Thirst;
• Nausea;
• Vomiting;
• Sleepiness;
• Confusion; and
• Weakness.

If it is not treated promptly, shock can cause the victim to suffer kidney, brain, and heart damage. He or she can also suffer gangrene, necessitating the amputation of the affected limb. The most severe cases could potentially result in the victim's death.

After an accident, keep the victim comfortable. Have him or her lay flat and raise his or her feet 12 inches to promote circulation, but do this only if it is safe to do so. Once the victim reaches the hospital, he or she may be given fluids or blood through an intravenous line.

An individual can go into shock after any accident that causes him or her to lose a significant amount of blood or fluid. For example, if an individual suffers from heat exhaustion while working outside in the sun for a prolonged period of time or in a hot kitchen without sufficient breaks, he or she can lose enough fluid through sweating to suffer shock symptoms. This type of injury can be especially dangerous because the victim suffers slowly, sometimes too slowly to realize he or she is overheating.

When a victim suffers an immediate accident, such as a vehicle collision or a laceration from an industrial saw or other piece of equipment, he or she can lose a substantial amount of blood in a very brief period of time. This, too, can cause him or her to go into hypovolemic shock.

Shock can be life-threatening. Immediately following any type of workplace accident, the victim needs to receive appropriate medical attention. Do not worry about the cost of this medical care or how you will be compensated until you have received treatment. When the time does come to consider filing a workplace accident claim, speak with one of our skilled San Jose workplace accident attorneys at Corsiglia, McMahon, & Allard, LLP to determine the best way to proceed with your claim. We proudly serve clients in the Bay Area, San Mateo County, Alameda County, San Benito County, Monterey County, and Santa Clara County.

• Medical Shock