Seat Belt Syndrome

Motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of injuries and deaths in the United States. These accidents are usually preventable by driving safely and following the law. Unfortunately, reckless drivers, adverse weather, poor road conditions, and other factors can contribute to a motor vehicle accident. Even the safest drivers are at the mercy of others.

A seat belt is a safety feature to prevent significant injuries and death in an auto accident. Although seat belts do not guarantee the wearer’s safety, they dramatically increase your chances of survival and sustaining only minor injuries during the collision.

However, wearing a seat belt can lead to a specific type of injury in a motor vehicle accident, even as it protects you from other types of damage. An abdominal injury is a common seatbelt injury. Other seatbelt injuries may include cuts on the neck, intra-abdominal injuries, or a combination of injuries known as seat belt syndrome.

Settlements Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

Below are just a few examples of the multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts we’ve achieved on behalf of victims of motor vehicle accidents:

$4,000,000 for the family of a passenger killed during a work-related trip.

$3,200,000 for a disabled man hit in a crosswalk, suffering major orthopedic injuries.

$2,000,000 policy limit for rollover crash injuries.

What is Seat Belt Syndrome?

Seat belt syndrome refers to a specific pattern of injuries caused by the force of a seat belt during a car crash. The term typically applies when someone suffers abdominal, intestinal, spinal trauma, or deep bruising due to the way the seat belt restrains the body during impact.

Originally identified in pediatric patients, these severe injuries now apply to vehicle occupants of all ages. It usually involves seat belt marks across the abdomen or chest. However, the real danger often lies beneath the surface: internal organ injuries or bleeding that may not be detected right away.

How Can Seat Belts Cause Injuries?

Though seat belts prevent ejection and reduce fatalities, the force they exert during a car crash can cause localized trauma. During impact, the torso and pelvis are violently thrown forward, and the seat belt—especially a lap belt—acts as a counterforce.

This can lead to:

Compression of the abdominal cavity

Tearing of internal organs

Damage to soft tissues

Blunt trauma to the chest and abdomen

The same mechanism that restrains you can also cause injuries when the crash force is too great or the seat belt isn’t properly adjusted.

Common Injuries Sustained While Wearing Seat Belts

Here are the most frequent injuries associated with seat belt syndrome:

Abdominal internal organ injuries (especially to the intestines, spleen, or liver)

Spinal fractures or lumbar flexion injuries

Bruising across the abdomen, chest, or shoulder

Skin abrasions or lacerations under the seat belt

Chest pain, rib fractures, or lung contusions

Soft tissue damage around the torso

Internal bleeding or vital organ damage

Many of these injuries are invisible without imaging and can worsen into more severe injuries without early medical treatment.

Abdominal Injuries and Seat Belt Syndrome

The abdomen is particularly vulnerable in seat belt-related injuries. During a crash, the seat belt compresses the lower torso, putting pressure on the abdominal organs, including the intestines, bladder, liver, and spleen.

Because the seat belt crosses over the abdomen, a poorly positioned or overly tight belt can cause:

Internal organ damage

Bowel perforation

Splenic or liver lacerations

Retroperitoneal hematomas

Injuries to major blood vessels

These injuries may not be evident on initial physical examinations. They require early diagnosis with imaging (such as CT scans) and sometimes abdominal surgery to repair.

Missed Intestinal Injuries After a Car Crash

One of the most dangerous aspects of seat belt syndrome is the risk of missed intestinal injuries. In the chaotic hours after a car accident, emergency responders may focus on more obvious trauma, like broken bones or visible wounds.

But intestinal damage is usually gradual. Victims may walk away from the crash feeling “shaken up,” only to experience severe pain or difficulty breathing hours or even days later.

Delayed treatment can lead to:

• Internal bleeding
• Infection (sepsis)
• Bowel necrosis
• Life-threatening complications

A proper medical evaluation is critical to avoid life-threatening outcomes. Doctors may use focused abdominal sonography or serial exams to track symptoms of seat belt syndrome.

Case Report Examples of Seat Belt Syndrome

The following real-life medical cases illustrate how seat belt syndrome can result in serious abdominal injuries, delayed symptoms, and complex medical treatment, even when the crash doesn’t seem life-threatening at first.

In one case, a 24-year-old woman was in a front-end car accident while wearing her seat belt. Though she appeared stable with only minor bruising and a seat belt mark, her initial scans showed no internal organ injuries.

She was admitted for arm surgery but, by day three, developed worsening pain in the abdomen, fever, and vomiting. Emergency surgery revealed a tear in her small intestine. The damaged section was removed and repaired, and she made a full recovery.

In another case, a 31-year-old man suffered a car crash while restrained by a seat belt. He had pain in the abdomen, back discomfort, and a clear seat belt pattern defined, but no internal organ injuries appeared on his first scan. After elbow surgery, his pain worsened.

A repeat scan revealed signs of internal damage. Surgeons found part of his small intestine had lost blood flow and required removal. Complications followed, including a leak and infection, which required more surgery and delayed recovery.

How a Seat Belt Syndrome Lawyer in Chicago Can Help You Win Your Case

Proving seat belt syndrome can be difficult. The injuries are often internal, symptoms may be delayed, and insurance companies may argue the crash wasn’t serious enough to cause a severe injury.

A skilled Chicago car accident lawyer will:

• Investigate the accident scene and gather crash reports.
• Work with medical experts to confirm the diagnosis and cause of injury.
• Document all losses: medical care, missed work, and future treatment needs.
• Handle all negotiations with insurance companies.
• File a personal injury lawsuit if necessary.

Don’t fight the system alone—our attorneys are here to protect your right to fair compensation.

Types of Seat Belt Injury Cases Our Chicago Law Firm Handles

We represent clients suffering from all forms of seat belt-related injuries, including:

• Bowel perforation
• Abdominal injuries requiring surgery
• Spinal fractures from hyperflexion
• Injuries after rear-end or head-on car accidents
• Delayed diagnosis cases involving internal bleeding or infection
• Passenger injury cases involving improper seat belt use

What to Do After a Seat Belt Related Accident in Chicago

After a crash, here’s what to do if you suspect seat belt syndrome:

Seek immediate medical attention—even if you feel okay.

Report the accident to the police and get a crash report.

Follow symptoms, especially pain, nausea, or dizziness.

Gather information: photos, witness statements, and the other driver’s info.

Contact a Chicago personal injury attorney who understands seat belt injuries.

Local Laws and Regulations That Affect Your Seat Belt Injury Claim

In Illinois, several laws may affect your claim:

• Comparative negligence (735 ILCS 5/2-1116): If you’re found partially at fault (e.g., not wearing your seat belt correctly), your compensation may be reduced, but you can still recover damages if you’re less than 50% at fault.
• Seat belt use law (625 ILCS 5/12-603.1): Illinois requires seat belt use for all passengers, but the lack of a seat belt cannot be used as sole evidence of negligence.

Determining the Value of Your Auto Accident Claim in Chicago

The value of your case depends on:

• Severity of your injuries
• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Scarring or permanent limitations
• Whether your injuries required surgery or hospitalization

We’ll work with medical experts and life care planners to make sure your financial recovery includes everything you’ve lost.

Deadlines for Filing a Seat Belt Injury Claim in Illinois

Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, the deadline to file a personal injury claim in Illinois is two years from the date of the car crash. Waiting too long may result in your case being dismissed—so act quickly.

Why Choose Our Chicago Law Firm

Our Chicago car accident attorneys have handled hundreds of complex car accident cases involving seat belt injuries. Clients choose us because we offer:

• Proven success in internal injury claims
• Personalized attention and strategic case building
• Strong relationships with expert witnesses
• A commitment to aggressive negotiation and litigation when needed
• 5-star rated service across Chicago and beyond

You only get one chance to recover the compensation you deserve—let us help you make it count.

FAQs About Seat Belt Syndrome Cases in Chicago

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Belt Syndrome?

Long-term complications can include chronic abdominal pain, bowel issues, and scarring from surgery.

How Do I Know if My Abdominal Pain Is From the Seat Belt?

If your pain started after a crash and worsens over time, it could be a sign of internal injuries. Always seek immediate medical care.

Can I Still File a Claim if I Wasn’t Wearing My Seat Belt Correctly?

Yes, but your compensation may be reduced under comparative fault rules. Let your lawyer review the facts and protect your claim.

Consult a Chicago Seat Belt Syndrome Attorney Near You!

If you suffered seat belt syndrome or other severe injuries in a Chicago car accident, we’re here to help. Our attorneys will review your case, explain your rights, and fight for the compensation you need to recover.

Call (888) 424-5757 or fill out our online form to book a free consultation.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.