How Internal Organ Damage Impacts Long-Term Health for North Carolina Car Accident Victims

Car accidents are a leading cause of severe injuries in North Carolina, often leaving victims with visible wounds such as broken bones or bruises. However, one of the most dangerous and long-lasting consequences of a crash can be internal organ damage. Unlike external injuries, internal organ damage may not be immediately apparent but can have profound effects on a victim’s health and quality of life in the years following an accident.

Our Charlotte personal injury lawyers at Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt understand these challenges and help our clients understand what they mean to their claims.

Understanding Internal Organ Damage

Internal organ damage occurs when the impact of a collision exerts extreme force on the body, causing internal organs to bruise, tear, or rupture.

The most commonly affected organs in car accidents include:

• Liver: Susceptible to lacerations and hematomas due to its size and location.
• Lungs: Can collapse or suffer punctures from broken ribs.
• Spleen: Vulnerable to ruptures that may require emergency removal.
• Kidneys: Prone to contusions or tears from blunt force trauma.
• Brain: Though not traditionally classified as an “organ,” traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a critical form of internal damage.

These injuries are often life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Yet, even with prompt care, they can result in long-term health challenges.

Long-Term Health Consequences of Internal Organ Damage

Internal organ damage can lead to various ongoing health issues that extend well beyond the initial recovery period. These consequences often affect multiple aspects of a victim’s physical and emotional well-being, requiring long-term medical care and lifestyle adjustments.

Below are some of the most common long-term effects faced by car accident victims who sustain internal injuries:

• Chronic Pain and Discomfort: Damage to organs like the liver or spleen can cause persistent pain, limiting mobility and daily functioning.
• Organ Dysfunction: Even after surgical repairs, organs may not regain full functionality. For example, kidney damage can lead to chronic kidney disease, requiring ongoing dialysis or even a transplant.
• Increased Risk of Infection: Ruptured organs often require surgical intervention, increasing the risk of postoperative infections.
• Respiratory Issues: Lung damage may lead to long-term breathing difficulties, reducing a victim’s capacity for physical activities.
• Neurological Impairments: Traumatic brain injuries can result in cognitive difficulties, memory loss, and emotional changes that can persist for years.
• Psychological Impact: The trauma of both the accident and the resulting health complications can lead to conditions like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment

Internal injuries are often called “silent injuries” because symptoms may not manifest immediately. Warning signs such as abdominal pain, dizziness, difficulty breathing, or unusual fatigue should never be ignored. Prompt medical evaluation can mean the difference between life and death and may prevent further complications.

Seeking Compensation for Internal Organ Damage After a North Carolina Car Crash

If you’ve suffered internal organ damage in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.

North Carolina law allows victims to recover damages for:

• Medical expenses, including future treatment.
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering.
• Emotional distress.

At Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, P.A, our experienced Charlotte personal injury attorneys are dedicated to helping car accident victims navigate the legal process. We understand the complex medical and financial challenges that internal organ damage can bring and will fight to secure the compensation you need to move forward.

Let us help you protect your rights and secure the justice you deserve, starting with a free consultation. Call 704-377-3737 or contact us online today. We provide unique legal services tailored to each client’s needs and do not get paid unless you do.

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Because every case is different, the description of awards and issues previously managed by our law firm does not guarantee a similar outcome in current or future cases.