Lung Injuries Caused by Car Accidents - Chicago Injury Lawyer

The aftermath of a car accident is painful and extremely stressful. Depending on the seriousness of the injuries and extent of damage caused by accident, the victim may have to deal with car repairs, medical bills, insurance issues, and of course, lasting health consequences. Some of the most serious car accident injuries involve damage to one of the vital organs such as lungs. Any injury to the lungs can cause lasting respiratory problems, and more severe injuries may lead to death.

All vital organs including lungs are well protected from everyday impacts by layers of bone, muscle, fat and skin. However, these protective layers are not strong enough to stand the sudden, forceful impact of car crashes. This can cause serious injuries and even death. In this post, our Willens Law personal injury will discuss the types of lung injuries caused by car accidents:

Punctured lung: In a serious car accident, sharp object such as shards of glass may get thrown around and propelled by a great deal of force. This can cause a punctured lung. If the force of the impact has causes a rib fracture, it can splinter in a way that the lung gets punctured. An individual who suffers a punctured lung will experience pain and pressure in the chest area, and shortness of breath. The patient should seek immediate medical attention to avoid any life threatening complications. Minor punctures may heal on their own, while the more severe ones require aspiration through a tube that helps re-inflation. In some cases, surgery may be required.

Collapsed lung: If the air around punctured lung builds up pressure, it can make it impossible for the lung to properly inflate. This way, a punctured lung can develop into a collapsed lung. A collapsed lung causes symptoms such as difficulty breathing, a hacking cough, and sharp pain in chest area that radiates upon inhaling. A collapsed lung can lead to serious and life threatening complications, so the victim should seek immediate medical attention. Treatment of collapsed lung may include methods to stabilize pressure, such as aspiration through a chest tube. With prompt treatment, the patient can recover in 1-2 weeks.

Inhalation damage: Severe car crashes can cause a fire. The drivers and passengers may be exposed severe smoke inhalation and burning chemicals. If the victims suffer damage to the inside of the lungs from smoke inhalation or chemical burns, the consequences can be serious and permanent. In severe cases, the victims may become oxygen dependent and may have very little mobility.

If you or someone you love has sustained a lung injury in a car accident, chances are that you are faced with huge medical bills. It is in your best interest to seek help an experienced attorney at Willens Law Offices. We can evaluate your claim free of charge and help you recover the compensation you deserve and will need moving forward.

Call (312) 957-4166 today to schedule a free consultation.