Spleen Injury Claims

The spleen is a small, spongy organ located just below the left rib cage. It plays a significant role in the body’s immune response and blood maintenance, but it is not essential for survival. However, people without a spleen are more susceptible to infections and are at an increased risk of blood clots.

Any trauma to the lower rib cage on the left of the stomach can damage the spleen, including road traffic accidents, slips, trips and falls, accidents at work and criminal assaults. Some infections and illnesses can also result in spleen injuries.

If the harm you suffered was the result of someone else’s fault or negligence, you may be eligible to make a spleen injury claim. To find out if you are entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering, call 0800 470 0474 for a free consultation with a trained legal adviser. Or, if you prefer, enter your details here to request a call back.

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Table of Contents

• What is the spleen?
• Signs and symptoms of a spleen injury
• Spleen injury treatment and recovery
• Can I make a spleen injury claim?
• Providing evidence to support a personal injury claim
• What incidents could result in a spleen injury compensation claim?
• What is the time limit to start a spleen injury claim?
• How much compensation can I claim for a spleen injury?
• Can I make a spleen injury compensation claim on a No Win No Fee basis?

What is the spleen?

As mentioned above, the spleen is a soft, spongy organ in the upper left of the abdomen, just behind the rib cage and next to the stomach. It is part of the lymphatic system and plays multiple roles in the body’s immune system and blood maintenance.

There are two parts of the spleen, each with its particular role:

• The white pulp is part of the immune system. It contains a large number of white blood cells that monitor the blood for pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and other foreign bodies. When these are detected, the white pulp initiates an immune response and the production of antibodies, which help attack and destroy the invaders.
• The red pulp plays a crucial role in maintaining the blood. It filters out old, damaged, or abnormal red blood cells and platelets and removes debris, viruses and bacteria. It also acts as a storage site for blood, which can be released into the body in case of blood loss or hypoxia.

While the spleen is an important organ, it is not vital for survival. In case of disease or injury, it can be removed without being life-threatening, and other organs, such as the liver and lymph nodes, will take over some of its functions.

Signs and symptoms of a spleen injury

Spleen injuries range from minor trauma to severe, life-threatening damage. The common types of spleen injuries include:

• Splenic contusion – a minor injury where the spleen is bruised, but its outer capsule remains intact;
• Splenic laceration – a more severe injury that involves damage to the spleen’s tissue, leading to potential bleeding;
• Ruptured spleen – a critical condition where the spleen is torn, causing significant internal bleeding;
• Splenic haematoma – a collection of blood within the spleen or beneath the capsule due to trauma;
• Splenic infarction – occurs when the blood flow to the spleen is blocked, often due to blood clots or artery damage;
• Splenic abscesses – a collection of pus within the spleen, often secondary to trauma.

The signs and symptoms of a spleen injury depend on its type and severity and may include:

• Pain in the upper left side of the abdomen is the most common symptom and is often severe
• Pain that radiates in the left shoulder
• Tenderness when pressing on the upper left abdomen
• A significant drop in blood pressure
• Dizziness, confusion or feeling lightheaded
• Fever and chills
• A rapid heart rate
• Paleness and cold, clammy skin can be the symptoms of shock from internal bleeding
• A general feeling of weakness and fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Swelling and bloating in the abdomen

If any of these symptoms are sudden and severe, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Your doctor will diagnose your injury based on a physical exam, blood tests and imaging tests such as an ultrasound or CT scan.

Spleen injury treatment and recovery

Once your doctor assesses the severity of your injury, they will decide on the appropriate treatment, which could involve:

• Rest, pain management and activity restriction for minor spleen injuries;
• Blood transfusions and IV fluids in case of significant bleeding or shock;
• Embolisation, which involves blocking the blood flow to the injured area to manage bleeding;
• Surgically repairing the spleen using stitches, sutures or electrocautery;
• Removing part of the spleen and preserving as much of the organ as possible;
• Spleen removal (splenectomy) is necessary when the bleeding is severe and the damage is extensive.

The outcome depends on the severity of the injury and how quickly it is diagnosed and treated. In many cases, you can recover fully and resume normal activities. However, if you undergo a splenectomy or partial splenectomy, this will affect your immunity. You may be more prone to getting sick, and your doctor may recommend that you get specific vaccines.

Can I make a spleen injury claim?

If you suffered a spleen injury due to someone else’s negligence, a personal injury solicitor could help you make a claim for compensation. Before taking on your case, they will verify whether:

• Another party owed you a legal duty of care;
• They breached their duty by acting negligently;
• Your injury to the spleen was a direct result of their negligence.

You do not have to worry about proving a duty of care, as your solicitor will do this by referring to legislation such as the Road Traffic Act 1988 or the Heath and Safety at Work Act 1974.

If your case has merit, your solicitor will work for you on a no win no fee* basis. They will also help you collect all the necessary proof to present a strong spleen injury claim and guide you through all the steps of the claims process.

Providing evidence to support a personal injury claim

If you want to claim spleen injury compensation, you need supporting proof to show how the damage occurred and how it has affected your life. The types of evidence you could use include:

• Photographs or a video taken in the immediate aftermath of the accident before anything is moved can help piece together how the events occurred;
• Pictures of signs of abdominal trauma, such as bruising and puncture wounds;
• If available, CCTV or dash cam footage can be crucial to determining what happened and understanding the cause of your injury;
• Medical records from the hospital that treated you will be necessary to confirm your diagnosis and prognosis;
• Your solicitor may also arrange for a free independent exam with a specialist who will link your injury to the accident and establish your future care needs and impact on daily life;
• Witness statements from anybody who was present when you were injured or from friends and family who saw how the spleen injury has affected you;
• If you were injured in a public place or at work, you should also ask for a signed copy of an accident report to prove the date and location of your accident;
• You also need financial documents, such as receipts and invoices, to prove the losses and expenses incurred due to your injury.

What incidents could result in a spleen injury compensation claim?

Any accident that causes trauma to the lower rib cage on the left can result in damage to the spleen, including:

• Road traffic accidents. High-impact collisions can lead to severe abdominal trauma, potentially leading to injuries such as a ruptured spleen. Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcycle riders are particularly vulnerable due to the lack of protection.
• Workplace accidents. Falls from heights, accidents involving machinery, or lifting heavy objects can all lead to an injured spleen. If your employer has failed to take the necessary measures dictated by legislation to protect your health and safety, you may be eligible to make an accident at work claim.
• Sports injuries. Falls, collisions or direct blows to the abdomen during sports activities can cause spleen injuries ranging from minor to severe. If the accident was due to someone else’s negligence, such as bad advice from a coach, you may be able to make a personal injury claim for compensation.
• Physical assaults. Altercations that involve punches, kicks or attacks with a weapon can cause trauma to the spleen, resulting in injuries such as contusions or lacerations. Blameless victims of assaults are eligible to claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
• Defective products. Faulty products, such as exercise equipment, furniture or bicycles, can lead to accidents that cause potential spleen injuries.
• School accidents. School accidents can be caused by inadequate supervision or faulty playground equipment and can damage the spleen. Parents and legal guardians are entitled to claim compensation for a spleen injury on behalf of their child.
• Medical negligence. Mistakes during abdominal surgery or failure to diagnose or treat conditions such as blood clots or infections can lead to spleen injuries and other complications.

What is the time limit to start a spleen injury claim?

The time limit to start a spleen injury compensation claim is typically three years under the Limitation Act 1980. The time will begin to run from the date of your accident or from the date your injury was diagnosed (the date of knowledge). It is always best to start your claim as soon as possible, as this will usually make it easier to gather supporting evidence.

There are a few exceptions to the personal injury claim limitation date:

• A parent can make a child injury claim on behalf of their child at any time before their 18th birthday.
• If the injured party cannot handle legal proceedings due to a condition such as PTSD or Down syndrome, the time limit is suspended. A litigation friend can make an injured or ruptured spleen claim on their behalf at any time.
• CICA claims have a two-year time limit starting from the date of the assault.

How much compensation can I claim for a spleen injury?

There is no fixed amount of compensation you could claim for a damaged spleen. Your spleen injury compensation award will depend on several factors, such as the circumstances of your accident, the severity of the injury and its long-term effects.

Your solicitor will work hard to ensure your spleen injury claim is successful and negotiate the maximum settlement on your behalf. Your payment will consist of two types of damages:

General damages cover the subjective effects of the injury on your life, such as:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional and psychological distress
• Reduced quality of life
• Loss of ability to engage in sports or hobbies
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Special damages are awarded for financial losses and expenses related to your injury, such as:

• Prescriptions and private medical treatments
• Travel expenses to and from medical appointments
• Costs associated with care during recovery
• Loss of earnings during recovery
• Loss of earning capacity if you have to take a lower-paying job after your recovery

According to the latest recommendations of the Judicial College, you could receive the following compensation for your spleen injury:

• £4,350 to £8,640 for damage to the spleen with a minimal risk of infection
• £5,280 to £10,040 for stab injuries or deep lacerations causing internal damage
• £20,800 to £26,290 for loss of spleen and significant risks of infection

Can I make a spleen injury compensation claim on a No Win No Fee basis?

If you have a valid damaged or ruptured spleen claim, your solicitor will offer you a no win no fee agreement. The main benefit of this service is that it gives you access to legal representation without taking a financial risk.

You do not have to pay any upfront fees, and your personal injury lawyer only receives a success fee if they win your case. This way, you can take time to recover from your injury while your solicitor will handle all the legal aspects of your case and secure the spleen injury compensation you deserve.

With no win no fee, you also have legal expenses insurance against the costs and disbursements incurred during litigation. The After the Event (ATE) insurance will cover all your expenses if your claim is unsuccessful, including the defendant’s, so you will not be left out of pocket.

If you would like to start a spleen injury claim with a no win no fee solicitor, do not hesitate to call 0800 470 0474 for a free consultation or use our online claim form to request a call back.