If you’ve suffered a collapsed lung from a car accident in Philadelphia, the road to recovery may seem daunting.
In this article, we discuss what a collapsed lung entails, how it’s diagnosed, and what steps you can take to recover physically and legally. We also examine the impact of a collapsed lung on your quality of life, addressing concerns about missing work, lost wages, mounting medical bills, and potential long-term effects from the car accident.
If you believe your collapsed lung resulted from driver negligence, you need to understand your legal options in Pennsylvania. That’s where Cousin Benny comes in. With over 25 years of collective experience and a track record of recovering millions for clients like you, our car accident lawyers are here to provide the support you need. Plus, we offer a “No Fee Until You Win” policy, meaning our attorneys don’t get paid unless you do, too.
Contact us at Cousin Benny today and let our car accident lawyers help you get the compensation you deserve following a collapsed lung from a car accident.
What Is a Collapsed Lung? (Pneumothorax)
A collapsed lung, also known as pneumothorax, occurs when air leaks into the space between your lung and chest wall, causing the lung to collapse partially or completely. This condition can result from traumatic injuries such as those sustained in a car accident, where the force of impact can cause the lung to collapse.
Pneumothorax typically poses little risk if it only affects one lung, especially for those without existing lung conditions like asthma or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). However, there are exceptions, such as in cases of tension pneumothorax or open pneumothorax, where the lung collapse worsens or connects to an open chest wound. In these situations, immediate medical attention is necessary to prevent serious complications.
Symptoms of a Collapsed Lung
Symptoms of a collapsed lung can vary depending on the severity of the collapse but may include sudden chest pain that worsens with difficulty breathing or coughing, shortness of breath, shallow breathing (tachypnea), rapid heart rate, sharp chest pain, and fatigue. Some individuals may also experience a bluish tint to the skin, referred to as cyanosis, indicating a lack of oxygen.
If this occurs, it’s imperative to seek medical treatment and determine if you suffered a fully or partially collapsed lung.
How Is A Collapsed Lung Diagnosed?
Diagnosing a punctured or collapsed lung involves a physical examination. A healthcare provider will listen to your lungs with a stethoscope and may observe signs such as decreased breath sounds on the affected side. Imaging tests such as chest X-rays or CT scans may also be conducted to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the injury.
What Happens If A Collapsed Lung Goes Undiagnosed?
If a collapsed lung goes undiagnosed or untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as tension pneumothorax, where air continues to build up in the chest cavity, putting pressure on the heart and other organs. This can lead to a life-threatening situation requiring immediate medical care to relieve the pressure and reinflate the lung.
What To Do If You Get A Collapsed Lung From A Car Accident
If you think you have suffered a collapsed lung following a car accident, seek immediate emergency help. Call emergency services or go to the nearest hospital as soon as possible to receive prompt medical attention. Once you’re in the care of medical professionals, they will assess the severity of your condition and provide the appropriate treatment options.
Get Immediate Emergency Help
The first step after experiencing a collapsed lung in a car crash is to seek immediate emergency assistance. Call 911 or have someone nearby call for help. Emergency medical responders will provide initial stabilization and transport you from the accident scene to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment.
Get The Right Treatment Options
Upon arrival at the hospital, healthcare providers will conduct a thorough assessment to determine the best course of treatment for your collapsed lung. Treatment options may include oxygen therapy, chest tube insertion to remove air from the chest cavity, or surgery to remove lung tissue in severe cases. The goal is to reinflate the lung and prevent further complications following the auto accident.
Follow The Proper Recovery Instructions From Your Healthcare Provider
After receiving treatment for a collapsed lung, it’s essential to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for recovery carefully. This may include taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and gradually resuming normal activities as directed. By following these instructions, you can improve your chances of a successful recovery and minimize the risk of recurrence.
When To Contact A Lawyer After A Collapsed Lung From A Car Accident
You may be wondering when it’s appropriate to contact a car accident lawyer for assistance after suffering a collapsed lung in an accident. Generally, it’s advisable to contact an attorney as soon as possible after the accident, especially if you believe the collision was caused by another driver’s negligence.
A seasoned personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence to support your claim, and advocate for your rightful compensation for your injuries and damages. If you encounter challenges with insurance companies or face disputes regarding liability for a car accident, an attorney can provide invaluable guidance and representation.
By seeking legal assistance early on from car accident attorneys like those at Cousin Benny, you can ensure that your rights are protected and increase your chances of securing a favorable outcome in your personal injury case.
How a Collapsed Lung Affects Your Quality of Life
Experiencing a collapsed lung can significantly impact your day-to-day life, including your ability to work and engage in activities you enjoy. One concern many individuals have is whether they will miss work during their recovery period. You may also experience long-term effects from a collapsed lung, such as reduced lung function or increased susceptibility to respiratory issues.
Understanding these potential consequences can help you prepare for the challenges ahead and seek appropriate support and compensation.
Will I Miss Work When Recovering From a Collapsed Lung?
Recovering from a collapsed lung can disrupt your ability to work, potentially leading to lost wages and financial strain. This impact on your income constitutes economic damages in Pennsylvania, which are quantifiable losses resulting from the accident.
Depending on the severity of your condition and the nature of your job, you may need to take time off work for treatment and recovery. Seeking compensation for lost wages through a personal injury claim can help alleviate some of these economic hardships, allowing you to focus on your recovery without worrying about financial stability.
Are There Long-Term Effects of a Collapsed Lung?
While some individuals fully recover from a collapsed lung, others may experience long-term effects that affect their quality of life. These consequences, such as decreased lung function or chronic pain, can lead to both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages may include ongoing medical expenses and lost earning potential if the long-term effects prevent you from returning to work or limit your ability to perform certain tasks. Meanwhile, non-economic damages encompass intangible losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life due to the lasting impact of the collapsed lung.
Seeking legal guidance from a car accident attorney can help you understand the full extent of the damages you may be entitled to and pursue fair compensation for your losses.
Was Your Lung Injury the Result of Driver Negligence?
Determining whether your lung injury resulted from driver negligence is a big step in seeking compensation for your damages. If the car accident was caused by another driver’s negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, or running a red light, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim.
In PA, victims of car accidents caused by driver negligence can pursue economic damages for medical expenses and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages for pain and suffering. If the driver’s actions were particularly reckless or egregious, you may also be eligible for punitive damages. Punitive damages are intended to punish the at-fault party for their misconduct and deter similar behavior in the future.
Consulting with an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you assess the circumstances of your accident, gather evidence of driver negligence, and pursue the compensation you deserve for your punctured lung injury and associated damages. By holding negligent drivers accountable for their actions, you can seek justice and focus on your recovery with peace of mind.
Call Cousin Benny For Legal Help Following A Collapsed Lung From A Car Accident
In the aftermath of a car accident-induced collapsed lung, seeking legal assistance is needed. The personal injury lawyers at Cousin Benny are ready to provide the expertise and support needed to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
With over 25 years of collective practice and a proven track record of securing substantial settlements for our clients, our team of attorneys can ease the burden on you during this challenging time. From negotiating with insurance companies to representing your interests in court, we are committed to ensuring that you receive the maximum compensation available for your personal injuries and financial losses.
Contact us at Cousin Bennt today to get a free consultation following a punctured lung from a car accident.
