A serious accident can impact much more than your bones or muscles. When internal organs are injured, the effects can be long-lasting, painful, and sometimes life-threatening. Injuries to organs like the lungs, liver, or stomach may not be obvious at first, but they often require emergency treatment and ongoing care. If someone else’s carelessness caused your injury, you may have the right to pursue compensation. At Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook, we can help you take legal action while you focus on your recovery.

What Causes Organ Damage in Accidents?

Internal organ damage can happen in many different types of accidents. It’s most often caused by blunt force or sharp trauma to the chest, abdomen, or back. Common causes include:

Sometimes the damage is immediate. Other times, symptoms build up slowly. Either way, these injuries need quick medical attention. If not treated, they can lead to internal bleeding, infection, or even permanent loss of function.

Common Types of Organ Damage

Not all organ injuries are the same. Some heal with time, while others leave lasting damage or require surgery. Common types of injuries we see include:

Lung Injuries

A collapsed lung or bruising (known as pulmonary contusion) often results from broken ribs or a blow to the chest. These injuries can cause shortness of breath and long-term breathing problems.

Liver Damage

The liver is a large organ that’s vulnerable to trauma, especially in car crashes. A torn or ruptured liver can cause internal bleeding that becomes life-threatening without fast treatment.

Spleen Injuries

A ruptured spleen can happen after blunt trauma to the side or abdomen. This often requires emergency surgery and can affect your immune system going forward.

Kidney Trauma

A hard impact to the lower back may damage one or both kidneys. This can cause bleeding, intense pain, and long-term complications if not properly treated.

Stomach and Intestinal Damage

The stomach and bowels can be punctured or torn in serious accidents. When that happens, contents can leak into the abdomen, leading to infection (sepsis) and emergency surgery.

In many cases, these injuries are diagnosed using CT scans, MRIs, or ultrasound. You may not feel anything at first, but internal injuries can become dangerous quickly.

Proving Organ Damage: Documentation and Evidence

When you’re dealing with injuries that aren’t visible on the outside, strong medical documentation is key to building your case. We’ll work with you and your doctors to gather the evidence needed to support your claim. This may include:

  • Emergency room records and diagnostic imaging
  • Lab reports showing bleeding, infection, or organ malfunction
  • Treatment summaries from specialists and surgeons
  • Medical bills and receipts
  • Testimony from healthcare providers
  • Photos of visible trauma, if any
  • Police reports or witness statements from the accident

Insurance companies often try to downplay internal injuries. We’ll make sure your medical records tell the full story.

Compensation for Organ Damage

Organ damage often affects more than your physical health. It can change your daily routine, limit your ability to work, and lead to emotional stress. A personal injury claim can help cover:

  • Medical bills, including hospital stays and surgeries
  • Future treatment or rehabilitation
  • Lost income and reduced ability to earn a living
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Permanent disability or impairment

We work to understand the full impact of your injury, not just what shows up on paper. That way, you receive compensation that reflects your actual experience, not just the immediate costs.

How We Help You File a Claim

Filing a personal injury claim may seem overwhelming, especially while you’re dealing with recovery. When you work with Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook, we take the lead on the legal process so you don’t have to worry about the details. Here’s what we’ll do:

  • Investigate the accident and gather all necessary evidence
  • Work with your medical providers to understand your diagnosis and prognosis
  • Handle all communications with insurance companies
  • Prepare and file legal documents
  • Represent you in settlement discussions or in court, if needed

We’ll keep you informed every step of the way and answer your questions clearly and directly.

Contact Our Experienced Walnut Creek Organ Damage Injury Attorneys

If you or someone you love has suffered internal organ damage in an accident, it’s important to take action. Medical costs can add up quickly, and delays can make it harder to prove your case. We’re here to help you hold the at-fault party accountable and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook today to schedule a free consultation.