Degloving Injuries

Attorneys for Victims of Degloving Injuries Caused by Car Accidents and Motorcycle Accidents in Illinois

What is a Degloving Injury?

A degloving injury is a severe and often life-threatening injury. It occurs when the skin and subcutaneous tissue separate or “tear” from the underlying muscle, fascia, or bone due to a strong shearing force. The term “degloving” derives from the visual similarity to removing a glove from the hand, turning it inside-out. This descriptive term applies regardless of the injury’s location on the body. While degloving injuries can occur anywhere, they are most frequently observed on the lower limbs.

Degloving injuries pose significant challenges due to their severity. They often result in extensive blood loss, damage to underlying tissues, and a high risk of infection. Immediate medical intervention is crucial to minimize complications such as tissue being permanently damaged, infection, or even death.

Statistics on Degloving Injuries

Degloving injuries are relatively rare but devastating. According to a study published in the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, degloving injuries account for approximately 3-5% of all trauma-related soft tissue injuries in the United States. The most common causes are motor vehicle accidents, which contribute to over 60% of cases, followed by work accidents and sports-related trauma.

How Does a Degloving Injury Occur?

Degloving injuries occur when a strong shearing force is applied to the skin, causing it to tear away from the underlying structures. The most common causes include:

• Car Accidents: High-speed collisions often involve extreme forces that can rip the skin from underlying tissues. Pedestrians and cyclists struck by vehicles are particularly vulnerable.
• Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcycle riders are particularly susceptible to degloving injuries because their bodies are not protected.
• Industrial and Farm Equipment Accidents: Machinery with moving parts can entangle clothing or limbs, resulting in degloving injuries.
• Animal Attacks: Large animal bites, such as those from dogs or horses, can cause severe tissue avulsion.
• Falls: Falling from significant heights or onto sharp surfaces can create the necessary shearing forces to cause a degloving injury.
• Sports Injuries: High-impact sports like football or skiing sometimes result in degloving injuries, particularly during collisions or accidents involving equipment.

Types of Degloving Injuries

Degloving injuries are broadly categorized into two types: open and closed.

Open Degloving Injuries

In an open degloving injury, the skin is torn away, exposing the underlying tissues such as fascia, muscle, or bone. Sometimes, the skin may remain attached as a flap near the wound site. Common anatomical sites include:

• Legs: These are the most frequent sites of degloving injuries, often resulting from motorcycle or car accidents.
• Torso: Severe trauma to the abdominal or thoracic region can cause the skin to tear.
• Scalp and Face: These injuries can occur due to accidents or assaults, leading to significant cosmetic and functional impairments.

Closed Degloving Injuries

Closed degloving injuries are less apparent because the skin remains intact. However, a cavity forms beneath the skin where it has separated from the underlying structures. This cavity often fills with lymph fluid, blood, or fat. Common sites for closed degloving injuries include:

• Hips: Known as a Morel-Lavallée lesion, these injuries often occur in motor vehicle accidents or falls.
• Torso and Buttocks: Common in high-energy blunt trauma.
• Shoulder Blades, Lower Spine, and Knees: These areas are prone to closed injuries due to their susceptibility to shearing forces during accidents.

How is a Degloving Injury Diagnosed?

Diagnosing degloving injuries can be challenging, particularly in cases of closed injuries. Open injuries are usually evident upon visual inspection, but closed injuries often require advanced imaging techniques to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of tissue damage.

Imaging:

1. Ultrasound: Real-time imaging of soft tissues can help identify fluid collections and assess the extent of tissue separation. Ultrasound is particularly useful for closed injuries.
2. Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan: CT scans provide detailed cross-sectional images, making it easier to evaluate the extent of soft tissue damage. They are especially useful in planning surgical interventions.
3. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI offers unparalleled detail in imaging soft tissues, including muscles, ligaments, and blood vessels. It is the preferred modality for assessing closed degloving injuries.

Treatments for Degloving Injuries

Treatment varies depending on the type and severity of the degloving injury, its location, and the presence of other injuries. The primary goals are to restore blood flow, prevent infection, and repair damaged tissues.

Open Degloving Injuries

• Debridement: Removal of dead or infected tissue to reduce the risk of infection.
• Skin Grafting: Skin from another part of the body is transplanted to cover the wound.
• Flap Reconstruction: Muscle or skin flaps are used to reconstruct the injured area.
• Vacuum-Assisted Closure (VAC) Therapy: Negative pressure is applied to promote healing and reduce infection risk.

Closed Degloving Injuries

• Aspiration or Drainage: Fluid accumulation in the cavity is drained to relieve pressure and reduce infection risk.
• Compression Therapy: Compression garments can help limit fluid buildup and promote healing.
• Surgical Intervention: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair underlying structures or remove necrotic tissue.

Common Complications Associated with Degloving Injuries

Degloving injuries are often accompanied by severe complications, including:

1. Infection: Open wounds are highly susceptible to bacterial infections, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
2. Tissue Necrosis: Delayed treatment can result in irreversible tissue death.
3. Amputation: In extreme cases, damaged limbs may need to be amputated.
4. Scarring and Disfigurement: Even with successful treatment, scarring can lead to long-term psychological and physical challenges.
5. Chronic Pain: Nerve damage can result in ongoing pain and sensitivity.

What is a Degloving Injury Settlement Worth?

The financial compensation for a degloving injury depends on several factors:

• Severity of the Injury: The extent of tissue damage and the required medical treatment play a significant role.
• Lost Wages: If the injury prevents the victim from working, they may recover compensation for lost income.
• Medical Expenses: This includes the cost of surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
• Pain and Suffering: Victims may be compensated for physical and emotional trauma.
• Permanent Disability or Disfigurement: These factors often result in higher settlements due to their lifelong impact.

According to a report by the National Safety Council, the average cost of a non-fatal disabling injury in the United States is approximately $100,000. However, settlements for degloving injuries can reach into the millions, particularly in cases involving significant medical expenses, long-term care, and permanent disability.

Case Study: Degloving Injury Caused by T-Bone Collision

One recent case we handled involved a serious car accident that left our client with significant injuries, including a degloving injury. Our client was traveling through an intersection on a green light, when another driver ran a red light and T-boned our client’s vehicle. The force of the impact caused our client’s car to spin and roll over. Her hand was dragged across several feet across the pavement before her car finally stopped, causing a severe degloving injury.

Our client’s injuries required several surgeries and months of rehabilitation. Our Naperville car accident lawyers pursued a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, helping her obtain a policy limits settlement to help compensate her for her severe injuries.

Preventing Degloving Injuries

While some accidents are unavoidable, certain measures can reduce the risk of degloving injuries:

• Wear Appropriate Safety Gear: Helmets, gloves, and protective clothing can reduce the severity of injuries in high-risk activities.
• Follow Workplace Safety Guidelines: Adhering to safety protocols and using proper equipment can prevent industrial accidents.
• Drive Safely: Obeying traffic laws and avoiding distractions can reduce the likelihood of motor vehicle accidents.
• Supervise Children and Pets: Ensuring safe interactions between pets and children can prevent animal-related injuries.

Why Choose John J. Malm & Associates for your Degloving Injury?

If you or a loved one has suffered a degloving injury, our experienced Illinois injury attorneys are here to help. At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these injuries can take. Our firm has a proven track record of securing significant settlements for clients with severe injuries, including degloving injuries. As your attorneys, we will:

1. Investigate the cause of your injury.
2. Gather evidence to build a strong case.
3. Consult medical experts to establish the extent of your damages.
4. Negotiate with insurance companies to ensure fair compensation.
5. Take your case to trial if necessary.

Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you secure the compensation you deserve while you focus on your recovery.