Blunt Cardiac Injuries

Blunt cardiac injury (BCI) describes damage to cardiac tissue caused by blunt trauma to the chest, such as when a victim’s chest is struck by the steering wheel or dashboard of a car in an accident. While some BCIs are minor and do not demand a difficult recovery, others can be quite severe and all victims must be aware of some dangerous implications, including the risks of severe or sustained cardiac arrhythmias, cardiogenic shock, ruptured heart valves, and wall motion abnormalities in the heart. It should also be noted that the right side of the heart, which is closest to the anterior chest wall, is most vulnerable to damage.

Blunt trauma to the chest can not only affect the heart but also fracture the ribs and sternum or bruise or lacerate the lungs in serious cases. The deadliest of these injuries is a blunt aortic injury, which describes a ruptured aorta due to rapid acceleration/deceleration of the chest. Blunt cardiac trauma may also involve several forces acting at once, including the heart being compressed between the sternum and spine and the forces of rapid deceleration and pressure-fluctuation on the chest and abdomen.

Here are some common risk factors for cardiac contusions and other major chest injuries in an auto accident:

• Failure to wear a seatbelt
• Driving a vehicle without airbags
• High-speed accidents
• Accidents involving severe vehicle damage
• Accidents which cause steering wheel deformity on impact
• Injuries involving multiple fractured ribs

If you or a loved one has suffered a blunt cardiac injury (BCI) or other chest injury in an accident, contact 844 See Mike for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you.

Lastly, 844 See Mike is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.