If you come into contact with an object directly and with some degree of force, it is likely that you will be left with some amount of bruising. A bruise happens when there is blunt contact between an object and a part of your body. This results in damage to the tissue and the capillaries surrounding the area, which allow blood to spread underneath the skin. Bruises are most notable for the discoloration they cause to the skin, a characteristic attributed to the loose blood, often varying in colour (blue, black, purple, green, yellow).
Bruises alone are not serious in most cases, as they usually remain for a few days to a week (depending on how severe) and be sensitive to touch because of the effect of the damaged tissue on the nerves. However, as with any injury there are varying levels of severity. More serious bruises can lead to hematoma, which is more commonly known as internal bleeding. If this occurs, it is because there has been a hemorrhage beneath the skin, sometimes even in the organs. The difference between a bruise and a hematoma is that, while still sensitive and often painful, the hematoma will be hard to the touch. Hematoma’s can also last significantly longer than bruises and will sometimes require surgery to treat or remove.
If you have suffered bruising as part of your personal injury, then call our Specialist Advice Centre on 0844 873 2103.