Miami Internal Organ Damage Lawyer: Sean M. Cleary

What Type of Trauma Leads to Internal Organ Damage?

In severe accidents, the force and impact can lead to devastating bodily injuries, affecting vital organs (the heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver). These injuries might not always be immediately apparent, but their consequences can be life-altering.

What Are the Common Causes of Internal Organ Injuries?

Accidents are a fact of life, but when they result in catastrophic internal organ damage, they can change lives forever. These accidents can occur in various forms, including car crashes, truck collisions, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian incidents, and even violent crimes.

• Car crashes and truck accidents

Busy roads and highways are no strangers to car and truck accidents. The sheer force of a collision can result in traumatic injuries to internal organs. Blunt force trauma from the impact can lead to injuries like rib fractures that puncture the lungs, abdominal injuries, and damage to vital organs.

• Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents are notorious for their high risk of severe injuries due to the lack of protective barriers. When motorcyclists are involved in accidents, they may experience catastrophic internal organ damage as a result of being thrown from their bikes or colliding with other vehicles. Liver and spleen injuries are prevalent due to their location and vulnerability.

• Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can be particularly devastating, as the body is no match for a moving vehicle. The impact can lead to internal organ injuries, and pedestrians are often face severe consequences. Kidney injuries, for instance, can occur due to the direct impact of the vehicle.

• Slip and Falls

Slips and falls due to a property owner’s negligence are often underestimated as minor accidents, but they can have dire consequences, especially for the elderly. A ground-level fall can lead to head injuries and even internal organ damage. A fall from height (from a ladder, a scaffold, or a rooftop on a construction site) can leave way for intestinal damage, ruptured organs such as the spleen and liver, and even bowel perforation.

• Acts of violence

In violent incidents such as beatings, a person can sustain blunt force trauma and internal organ injuries. If a person is stabbed, they may sustain penetrative wounds that inflict damage to vital organs.

• Medical errors

Medical errors in hospitals and clinics are another potential source of catastrophic internal organ damage. These errors can range from surgical mishaps to procedures resulting in organ perforation.

Types of Internal Organ Injuries We Handle at The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary

Catastrophic internal organ damage resulting from severe accidents and medical errors is a life-altering experience. In Miami, Florida, victims have legal recourse to seek justice and compensation for their suffering. With the support of an experienced attorney, victims can navigate the legal system and work toward rebuilding their lives after such traumatic events.

The types of injuries that can result from catastrophic internal organ damage following accidents or medical errors are extensive:

• Traumatic brain injuries: severe accidents can result in concussions, contusions, or hemorrhages in the brain, leading to cognitive impairment, memory problems, or even permanent disability.
• Chest and lung injuries: blunt force trauma can cause fractured ribs, punctured lungs, and internal bleeding, which could lead to difficulty in breathing and life-threatening conditions.
• Abdominal injuries: the abdomen houses vital organs like the liver, spleen, kidneys, and intestines, all of which can be damaged due to trauma, leading to severe bleeding, infection, and the need for surgery.
• Cardiac injuries: blunt trauma can cause damage to the heart, resulting in cardiac arrhythmias, valve problems, or cardiac tamponade, a condition where the heart's function is impaired due to excess fluid.
• Spinal cord injuries: in severe accidents, the spinal cord can be damaged, causing paralysis and loss of sensation below the injury site.

What Are the Common Symptoms of Internal Organ Injuries?

Recognizing the symptoms of internal organ injuries is crucial, as prompt medical attention is often needed to prevent further complications. Common symptoms include:

• Pain and tenderness: victims may experience intense pain, tenderness, or discomfort in the affected area, which may worsen with movement or pressure.
• Swelling and bruising: when present in the abdominal or chest region, they may indicate internal bleeding or organ damage.
• Breathing difficulties: shortness of breath, shallow breathing, or sharp chest pain can be signs of lung or cardiac injuries.
• Changes in consciousness: in traumatic brain injuries, victims may experience altered consciousness, confusion, or loss of consciousness.
• Nausea and vomiting: persistent nausea, vomiting, or abdominal distension can signal abdominal injuries.
• Weakness or paralysis: victims with spinal cord injuries may experience weakness, paralysis, or loss of sensation in the limbs.

What Can You Recover After an Internal Organ Injury?

Recognizing the symptoms of internal organ injuries is crucial for early intervention, and knowing your legal options can help you on the path to recovery and justice. Victims of catastrophic internal organ damage may be eligible for various types of compensation and damages, including:

• Compensation for past and future surgeries, medical treatments, and rehabilitation
• Compensation for any income lost because of the accident or medical error
• Compensation for property alterations (ramps or other adaptive technologies)
• Compensation for vehicle repairs or replacement
• Damages for the emotional and physical distress caused by the injuries