How Dangerous Are Blood Clots?

Ever had an injury that seemed minor at first but turned out to be much more serious? Maybe after a car accident or a fall, you noticed swelling or tenderness that didn’t go away. Sometimes, it’s not just a bruise or a bump. It could be a blood clot, and in some cases, that clot could be life-threatening.

Blood clots are a condition far too many people overlook, but they’re no small matter. For many Oklahomans, they can be directly tied to injuries from accidents or even medical negligence. Knowing how dangerous clots can be and how a personal injury lawyer might help if you’ve been wrongfully injured can change everything.

What are blood clots, and what causes them?

A blood clot is your body’s way of stopping bleeding. Scrape your knee, and your blood kicks into high gear to form a scab. That’s a clot doing its job. But sometimes, this natural process backfires. When clots form in the wrong place inside your veins and don’t dissolve, they can block blood flow. That’s when the problems start.

Trauma is one of the leading causes of dangerous blood clots:

• Car accidents can cause internal injuries or fractures that trigger clotting.
• Surgeries significantly increase clot risks, especially if recovery time involves inactivity.
• Prolonged immobility, such as sitting for hours during a road trip or flight, can lead to DVT (deep vein thrombosis).

Knowing the causes helps you stay vigilant, especially after an injury.

How common are blood clots?

You might think blood clots are rare, but unfortunately, they’re not. According to the CDC, up to 900,000 Americans are affected by blood clots each year. Between 60,000 and 100,000 Americans lose their lives to blood clots every year. That’s an alarming number, and it shows just how unsuspecting clots can be.

Oklahoma isn’t exempt from this. The combination of sedentary jobs, obesity prevalence, and even long commutes can contribute to higher risks. What’s scary is that many clots develop silently, with no obvious warning signs. It’s this quiet nature that makes them so dangerous.

Who is most at risk for blood clots?

Some Oklahomans are more at risk than others. Here’s a breakdown of the major risk factors:

• Age: Chances increase significantly if you’re over 60.
• Health conditions: Diabetes, heart disease, and cancer all elevate clotting risks. Obesity slows circulation and increases strain on the vascular system.
• Lifestyle habits: Smoking causes blood vessel damage. Prolonged inactivity, like sitting at a desk job, can restrict blood flow.
• Post-injury or post-surgery recovery: Traumatic injuries such as broken bones or deep tissue bruises, as well as recovery from surgeries like hip or knee replacements, can lead to blood clots.

Understanding these risks can save lives, especially for those recovering from accidents.

Blood clots and personal injuries

Car accidents

Imagine this. You’re rear-ended at a red light. You might walk away thinking all you’ve got is whiplash. But a week later, you notice swelling in your leg or shortness of breath. Car accidents often result in internal injuries that aren’t immediately obvious. A fracture or even a deep tissue bruise can disrupt normal blood flow, leading to clotting.

Key reasons car accidents lead to clotting:

• Internal injuries and trauma increase clotting risk.
• Symptoms, like leg pain or a pulmonary embolism, can take days or weeks to appear.
• Delayed treatment makes clots even more deadly.

Consulting a personal injury lawyer after an accident isn’t just about legal action. It’s about making sure you get proper medical evaluations and aren’t left vulnerable to unseen harm.

Slips and falls

It might sound like a freak accident, but slips on wet floors or icy sidewalks can be a breeding ground for complications. Here’s why:

• These accidents often lead to fractures or severe bruising.
• Recovery typically involves weeks of reduced mobility.
• Immobility creates the perfect conditions for clots to form.

If the fall occurred on someone else’s property due to negligence, you may have legal recourse. Not only can a personal injury lawyer hold them accountable, but they can also guide you to resources for clot prevention.

Surgery and medical negligence

Surgery is another major risk factor for clots, particularly for procedures involving long recovery times. Some contributing factors include:

• Lack of prescribed blood thinners to prevent clots post-surgery.
• Prolonged immobility or failure to follow post-operative care protocols.

If you suspect medical negligence in your care, a personal injury lawyer can assess if your doctor’s actions (or inaction) contributed to your injury.

Warning signs to watch for

Catching a clot early can mean the difference between life and death. Pay attention to these warning signs:

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) symptoms:

• Swelling, especially in one leg
• Red or discolored skin in the affected area
• Pain or tenderness, often starting in the calf
• A heavy or warm sensation in the leg

Pulmonary embolism symptoms:

• Sudden shortness of breath
• Sharp chest pain, particularly when breathing deeply
• Rapid heartbeat or lightheadedness

If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t wait. Seek emergency medical care immediately.

The role of a personal injury lawyer

After you’ve been injured, whether it’s a car crash, a slip, or a botched surgery, navigating the aftermath is tough. The medical issues alone are overwhelming. Now, pile on insurance claims, legal paperwork, and figuring out liability. That’s where a personal injury lawyer steps in.

How a personal injury lawyer can help:

• Evaluate negligence in accidents or medical care that led to clot-related complications
• Handle insurance companies so you don’t have to fight for compensation alone
• Secure resources for medical care, ensuring you aren’t left without support
• Recover damages, both for immediate medical costs and long-term recovery expenses

When legal representation backs your case, you’re not just fighting for accountability. You’re protecting your future.

Tips for staying safe

Nobody expects to get a blood clot, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk after an injury.

• Follow your doctor’s advice after trauma or surgery.
• Stay active during recovery: Even small movements, like foot circles or stretches, improve circulation. Avoid long periods of sitting without breaks.
• Invest in compression socks for travel or prolonged inactivity.
• Make healthy lifestyle choices: Quit smoking. Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet.

These simple steps can go a long way in preventing clot formation.

When to seek help

Still worried? Trust your instincts. If something feels off after an injury, don’t wait to seek professional advice. Doctors can monitor risk factors you might not even notice. And if your injury stems from someone else’s negligence, consult a personal injury lawyer. Their expertise could make all the difference in getting the care and resources you need.

The impact of blood clots on daily life

The effects of blood clots don’t end with treatment. Many people who survive struggle with long-term issues, such as:

• Post-thrombotic syndrome: Swelling, chronic pain, or limited mobility in the affected limb.
• Ongoing medical care: Physical therapy, blood thinner prescriptions, or periodic monitoring.

This is why compensation matters. It’s not just about covering today’s medical bills. It’s about ongoing care, adaptive living costs, and peace of mind for the future. Working with a personal injury lawyer ensures you’re not left hanging when the road ahead gets tough.

The bottom line

Blood clot injuries can turn your life upside down, leading to severe complications like deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolisms, and chronic post-thrombotic syndrome. Whether caused by a car accident, a slip and fall, or medical negligence, these injuries demand attention.

At Biby Law Firm, we are known by clients across Oklahoma, as well as insurers and defense lawyers, for our strong record in personal injury cases. We fight tirelessly to ensure you receive full compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and any ongoing care needs.

Call our Tulsa personal injury lawyers or complete our contact form today to schedule your free consultation. Don’t face the aftermath of a blood clot injury alone — we’re here to help.