Organ Damage Due to Accidents
Tough representation when people suffer organ damage in Arizona
Vehicle collisions, product defects, medical malpractice, slip and fall incidents, and many other types of accidents can cause organ damage. Organ damage may be due to blunt or penetrating trauma. Almost any organ, such as the kidneys or lungs, can suffer damage if the impact is forceful enough.
At Verderame Law Group Arizona Injury Lawyers, we work closely with medical professionals to diagnose organ injuries, determine necessary medical care, and evaluate the consequences of the damage. Our Phoenix and Tempe personal injury lawyers have the experience and resources to hold those responsible liable for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income, and other damages. Call us today to discuss your right to compensation for organ damage due to an accident.
How can we help?
- What types of accidents cause organ damage in Phoenix and Tempe?
- What types of organ damage commonly occur in serious accidents?
- What symptoms should I watch for after a crash that may indicate internal injuries?
- How is organ damage diagnosed?
- Can I file an injury claim for organ damage even if symptoms appear days or weeks later?
- What long-term complications can result from organ damage?
- What are the treatments for organ damage?
- How is compensation calculated for internal injuries and long-term medical needs?
- What evidence is important in proving organ damage in a personal injury case?
- How long do I have to file a claim for accident-related organ damage in Arizona?
- Do you have a Phoenix organ damage attorney near me?
What types of organ damage commonly occur in serious accidents?
Organ damage can occur due to blunt trauma, such as when head-on crashes, rollovers, and other vehicle accidents happen, causing victims to collide with each other, parts of their vehicle, and the hard ground. Even impact from properly functioning airbags can cause organ damage.
Penetrating trauma – for example, when glass from a shattered car windshield penetrates a lung or another internal organ, can also cause significant damage. In addition, shock, cardiac events, and ischemia can lead to organ injury.
When an organ is damaged, it may not function at full capacity. As its performance declines, the body needs more support. Acute organ failure can develop suddenly, and it may be temporary with prompt treatment. However, chronic organ failure often requires long-term care.
Your vital organs are the organs you need to live. Damage to vital organs may necessitate life support or organ transplants. Your vital organs include the following:
- Heart. Your heart delivers the oxygen-rich blood your other organs need. Chronic heart failure causes the heart to decline over time. Acute heart failure (a possible result of a serious accident) causes a rapid decline of the heart.
- Liver. Your liver filters toxins from your blood and helps sustain bodily functions in many other ways.
- Lungs. Your lungs (part of your respiratory system) deliver oxygen to your body’s tissues.
- Kidneys. Your kidneys filter waste and produce urine, helping balance your electrolytes and fluids.
- Brain. Your brain directs all your other organs. If your brain or brainstem dies, your other organs will die, too.
- Small intestine. If this organ fails, you can suffer malnutrition and starvation.
Other critical organs include the colon, spleen, bladder, gallbladder, pancreas, uterus, and stomach.
Organ damage complications include sepsis and peritonitis, which can be fatal.
What symptoms should I watch for that may indicate internal injuries?
Organ failure symptoms, according to the Cleveland Clinic, may include the following:
- Tiredness, faintness, or fatigue
- Loss of consciousness or drowsiness
- Confusion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Nausea, loss of appetite, and vomiting
- An irregular or fast heartbeat
- Chills and fever
- Fast, shallow breathing
- Swelling in your abdomen or extremities
- Persistent abdominal or chest pain
Signs of organ failure also include jaundice (due to liver failure) and bluish fingernails and lips (due to respiratory or heart failure).
How is organ damage diagnosed?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the diagnostic tests for organ damage (depending on the specific organ) include:
- Liver function tests
- Kidney function tests
- Echocardiograms for heart damage
- Blood tests
- Neurocognitive tests
- Brain scans
- Arterial blood gas tests
- Pulmonary function tests
- CT scans and ultrasounds
Can I file an injury claim for organ damage even if symptoms appear later?
Yes. Provided you bring your claim within the statute of limitations deadline, organ damage victims and families of deceased victims (who died due to organ damage) can file the following types of claims:
- Personal injury claim. You can file a personal injury claim if someone owed you a duty of care and breached that duty (such as when drivers drive negligently) and the breach causes an accident that causes damage to your organs.
- Wrongful death claim. Wrongful death claims may be brought by certain surviving family members or the personal representative of the estate.
- Product liability claim. You can file a product liability claim against a manufacturer if a product (such as a car part or a medical device) is defective and the defect causes organ damage. You may also be able to file a product liability claim if the manufacturer breaches a warranty that covers you or the manufacturer’s negligence causes your organ damage.
- A workers' compensation claim. Workers’ compensation benefits are generally the exclusive remedy against an employer, though third-party claims may still be available in some cases.
What long-term complications can result from organ damage?
The possible complications vary depending on which organ is damaged, the severity of the damage, your overall health, and other factors.
What are the treatments for organ damage?
Organ damage treatments vary depending on the affected organ and the severity of the damage. Some of the treatments for organ damage may include antibiotics, oxygen therapy, IV fluids, IV nutrition, dialysis, and other treatments.
Some victims may be eligible for organ transplants (if compatible organs are available). Other victims may suffer irreversible damage, including organ scarring and death. Possible transplants may include kidney, lung, liver, heart, and intestinal transplants.
How is compensation calculated for internal injuries and long-term medical needs?
At Verderame Law Group Arizona Injury Lawyers, we can work with your doctors and life planners to understand the full scope and severity of your organ damage, including likely complications, the need for home modifications or accessibility accommodations, and many other factors.
Our lawyers may seek compensation for all your damages so far and all your future damages. These damages include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income and benefits for as long as you can’t work
- Daily physical pain and emotional suffering
- Loss of bodily function
- The inability to enjoy life’s pleasures
- The loss of consortium (marital intimacy and comfort)
- Any scarring or disfigurement
If organ damage is fatal, then we may file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the family members.
In rare cases involving conduct showing a conscious disregard for a substantial risk of serious harm, we may seek punitive damages where Arizona law permits.
What evidence is important in proving organ damage in a personal injury case?
There are two parts to a personal injury claim. The first part is liability. The second part is the damage claim.
At Verderame Law Group Arizona Injury Lawyers, we can work with investigators who may examine the accident site and speak with witnesses. We can review any police reports (common in motor-vehicle accidents) and speak with the police when necessary. Depending on how your accident occurred, we may work with product safety and traffic reconstruction experts, physicians (who can testify on birth injuries), building code officials, and other experts.
We can also question the defendants in writing and in person. Our team may take additional steps to gather the evidence needed to establish fault, depending on the type of accident that caused your organ damage.
As we discussed above, we can work with your doctors and other experts to collect the evidence necessary to support your claim for damages.
How long do I have to file a claim for accident-related organ damage in Arizona?
Generally, you must file a personal injury claim within two years from the date of the accident or injury. Families must typically file a wrongful death claim within two years of the death of their family member. Shorter notice requirements may apply if the claim involves a governmental entity or agency, including a 180-day notice of claim deadline and a one-year deadline to file suit from the date the claim accrues under Arizona law.
Please contact us now so we can review the status of your organ damage and investigate the cause of your accident.
Do you have a Phoenix organ damage attorney near me?
Yes. We have offices in Phoenix and Tempe at the following locations.
- 316 E Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85012
- 5500 S Lakeshore Dr., Tempe, AZ 85283
Our lawyers can consult with clients by phone and through online video platforms, such as Zoom and FaceTime. If organ damage prevents you from traveling, we can arrange to see you at your home or another convenient location.
Contact our Phoenix organ damage attorneys now
We understand how devastating organ damage is. The pain and worry can be unbearable. The bills just keep coming. At Verderame Law Group Arizona Injury Lawyers, we have the experience to negotiate just settlements and argue cases before judges and juries. To schedule a free consultation, please contact our Phoenix organ damage lawyers via our contact form.
We serve clients throughout Maricopa County. We handle organ damage claims on a contingency fee basis.