According to the Ohio Department of Public Safety of all fatal collisions through the state in 2011 approximately 270 were wearing their seatbelts. Although we believe that seatbelts are meant to protect us, at times they can also harm us, which is why some people choose to forgo their safety belt while in a vehicle. There can be a number of reasons for these injuries which can include incorrectly adjusted belts, a defective locking mechanism or even the force of an impact causing the belts to cut or bruise the flesh and tissue of the occupant that was restrained by the best in the collision. Have you or someone you love suffered an injury that was caused by a defective or dangerous seat belt design? Did you know that the victim may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more?
Common Seat Belt Injuries
In the 1970s most passengers situated in the backseat only had a lap belt to protect them in case of an emergency. After studying the types of injuries being sustained by adults and children in car accidents, the term seat belt syndrome was coined and lead to the revision of passengers safety requirements. Some common types of seatbelt injuries include:- Chest & Abdominal Injuries
- Bruises
- Cuts
- Internal Organ Damage
- Fractures
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Dislocations
Symptoms Of Seat Belt Injuries
As most of the damage that could be done by a seatbelt is internal, some victims may not note that they have been hurt until days or weeks later. Bruises and contusions on the chest and lower abdomen may appear hours later however all persons should also watch for the following symptoms:- Abdominal Pain
- Blood in Urine and/or Stool could indicate damage to the liver or intestines
- Difficulty Breathing might indicate lung damage
- Pain in the Legs or Difficulty Walking could indicate spinal damage
Contact Our Attorneys Today
Despite how life-saving seatbelt use can be, many people suffer from seatbelt injuries sustained during a car accident. If you or a loved one was involved in a collision caused by a negligent driver and endured seatbelt injuries, out attorneys can provide comprehensive legal counsel on your specific case. At O'Connor, Acciani, & Levy, our personal injury lawyers treat every case with professionalism and courtesy that it deserves and will fight for your right to fair and just compensation. For more than 30 years we have been helping accident injury victims throughout Ohio. We have several offices located throughout the state and proudly serve the following areas:- Cincinnati
- Columbus
- Covington
