The adult human body contains between 1.2 and 1.5 gallons of blood, making up approximately 10% of the body’s total weight. It’s possible to lose some blood and survive, but there is a limit. If someone surpasses that safe limit of blood loss, the heart can no longer pump as it needs to. This can lead to exsanguination, or life-threatening blood loss.
Continue reading to learn more about exsanguination and your legal options, including when a lawyer may be able to help if you’ve suffered from it due to someone else’s wrongdoing.
Understanding Exsanguination
Exanguination refers to the type of rapid blood loss that can quickly lead to a person’s death. It usually occurs when someone loses about two-thirds of their total blood volume. At this point, the body can no longer sustain life, and death can come in a matter of minutes.
More specifically, death typically results from hypovolemic shock. This occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood throughout the body, resulting in a severe drop in blood pressure. The vital organs no longer receive oxygen or nutrients, leading to organ failure. Tissue hypoxia also takes place and can cause localized tissue death.
When the body’s tissues are starved of oxygen, they switch to anaerobic metabolism to produce energy. This creates excess lactic acid and changes the blood’s pH, preventing it from clotting as effectively. At the same time, blood loss of this magnitude causes an extreme drop in body temperature, further impairing clotting and leading to more blood loss.
Common Causes of Exsanguination
Exsanguination most often occurs as a result of severe trauma or catastrophic medical errors.
Common causes include:
- Blunt force trauma: Such as car accidents or falls from significant heights, which can rupture major blood vessels or damage internal organs
- Penetrating injuries: Including stabbings, gunshot wounds, and other violent acts that cause rapid external or internal bleeding
- Workplace accidents: Particularly those involving power tools or heavy machinery, which can result in amputations or deep lacerations
- Medical malpractice: Such as surgical errors that damage arteries or fail to control bleeding during or after a procedure
In each of these situations, rapid blood loss can become life-threatening without immediate medical intervention.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim After Fatal Blood Loss
If a loved one dies due to blood loss caused by another party’s actions, the surviving family may be able to file a wrongful death claim. These claims are similar to personal injury cases, but they are brought when the victim is no longer able to pursue justice themselves.
In Illinois, only the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate may file a wrongful death claim. The claim is filed on behalf of surviving family members and seeks financial compensation for losses related to the death.
Damages Available in Illinois Wrongful Death Cases
Wrongful death damages are meant to address both the financial and emotional harm suffered by surviving family members.
Depending on the circumstances, compensation may include:
- Medical expenses incurred before death
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of the deceased’s income and future earning capacity
Non-economic damages may also be available. These can include compensation for the pain and suffering the deceased experienced before passing and for loss of consortium suffered by close family members.
Because wrongful death claims are subject to strict deadlines and evidentiary requirements, working with a qualified attorney is critical. Legal guidance helps ensure the claim is filed on time and supported by the evidence needed to pursue the compensation your family deserves.
Contact the Lake County Wrongful Death Attorneys at Kass & Moses Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Losing a loved one because of someone else’s misconduct can leave you facing overwhelming grief while also needing to deal with funeral arrangements and other stressors. With help from an experienced lawyer, you can fight for fair compensation to address your and your family’s economic needs and hold the at-fault party responsible for their negligence.
For more information, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Kass & Moses Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
We proudly serve clients throughout Northbrook, Lake County, IL, and nearby areas, including Waukegan, Gurnee, North Chicago, Highland Park, Round Lake Beach, Zion, Grayslake, Libertyville, Lake Zurich, Lake Forest, Antioch, Highwood, Mettawa, Mundelein, Vernon Hills, Round Lake, Lindenhurst, and Beach Park.
Kass & Moses Personal Injury Lawyers
601 Skokie Blvd Suite 401
Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 513-9582
