Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers | June 27, 2025 | Personal Injury

What Is Exsanguination?

Exsanguination refers to extreme blood loss that can result in death if not addressed immediately. This condition often arises from trauma, surgical complications, or certain medical conditions. If someone else is responsible for your injuries, reach out to a personal injury lawyer. You could be entitled to compensation.

Medical Definition of Exsanguination

Exsanguination is the loss of a substantial drop in blood volume. This leads to decreased blood pressure and insufficient oxygen delivery to internal organs. When blood volume drops significantly, the body attempts to compensate by constricting blood vessels and increasing heart rate. 

If the bleeding continues without quick intervention, these mechanisms fail and result in cardiac arrest. Sometimes, exsanguination can result in organ failure and death. 

Common Causes of Exsanguination

Exsanguination can result from various types of injuries, including: 

  • Injuries, such as gunshot or stab wounds, can sever arteries, leading to rapid bleeding. 
  • Blunt force trauma may cause internal bleeding, especially in the chest or abdomen.
  • Surgical procedures carry risks, especially if a major blood vessel is inadvertently damaged. 
  • Certain medical conditions, like hemophilia or the use of anticoagulant medications, can exacerbate bleeding.

While these are not the only causes of severe blood loss, they are the most common.

Injuries Most Likely to Cause Exsanguination

Serious, penetrating injuries affecting major arteries, such as the aorta or femoral artery, often lead to exsanguination. Trauma to these vessels can cause rapid blood loss, requiring immediate surgical intervention.

Broken bones in your lower extremities can damage nearby blood vessels and cause significant bleeding. Crush injuries may also compromise vascular structures.

Emergency Response During Exsanguination

When dealing with exsanguination, rapid assessment and stabilization from severe blood loss are paramount to survival. Medical teams aim to identify the source of bleeding and control it through direct pressure, surgical repair, or other methods. 

Restoring blood volume with transfusions helps maintain organ perfusion. Without it, patients can die. In cases of significant blood loss, ongoing transfusions may be necessary to prevent complications.

Long-Term Consequences of Traumatic Blood Loss

Survivors of exsanguination may face prolonged recovery periods. It’s unlikely that patients who suffer severe blood loss will be able to recover quickly. The long-term impacts can include fatigue and organ dysfunction, as well as post-traumatic stress. Extensive transfusions carry risks such as iron overload and increased susceptibility to infections.

If someone’s actions led to exsanguination, it is possible to sue them for damages. We trace the fault to the act that caused the blood loss. You may hold a person or entity liable if they caused the injury or failed to stop the bleeding. You may also have a claim if a doctor fails to recognize the signs of internal blood loss.

How Exsanguination Affects Wrongful Death Claims

In wrongful death cases, exsanguination may be a central factor. Establishing that negligence led to fatal blood loss involves reviewing medical records and expert testimonies. Families may pursue compensation for loss of companionship, emotional distress, and financial support. We can build a strong case to demonstrate the impact of the death on the family’s quality of life.

Proving Damages in a Personal Injury Lawsuit

Demonstrating damages from exsanguination involves presenting evidence of medical costs, ongoing treatment, and the injury’s impact on daily life. Expert testimonies can discuss the long-term effects of severe blood loss.

Reach Out to Our Law Office for Further Assistance

If you have suffered severe blood loss due to an injury, consulting a personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal options. An attorney can evaluate your case, gather necessary evidence, and advocate on your behalf. For more information, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today. 

Contact New York Personal Injury Lawyers at Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers For More Help

Personal injury lawsuits in New York involve many stages, and the time after the deposition is one of the most important. Whether your case settles or goes to trial, having a skilled lawyer can make all the difference. Most personal injury attorneys offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you do.

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Manhattan, NY, and need legal help, contact our personal injury lawyers at Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We also serve in Brooklyn and the Bronx.

Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers – New York City Office
100 Wall St 24th Floor
New York, NY 10005
(212) 514-5007

Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers – Bronx Office
1578 Williamsbridge Rd suite 3b
Bronx, NY 10461
(212) 514-5007
(917) 905-2339

Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers – Brooklyn Office
32 Court St #704
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(212) 514-5007
(917) 920-7332