Did You Puncture a Lung During a Car Accident?
In a serious car accident, it is not uncommon for someone to suffer a punctured lung. How does this type of injury affect you? Does it affect your quality of life? What if the accident was someone else’s fault?
The car accident lawyers at Cousin Benny explain what a punctured lung is, how such a catastrophic injury happens in a car accident, how a punctured lung may affect your quality of life, and what to do when the accident that caused a punctured lung was someone else’s fault.
If you’ve been in a car accident and suffered a punctured lung or any other injury, call the personal injury attorneys at Cousin Benny to discuss your case, free of charge. Find out what your case is worth today!
What Is a Punctured Lung? (Pneumothorax)
A punctured lung occurs when air enters the space between your lung and chest wall, causing pressure on the lung and preventing it from expanding or causing it to collapse.
Symptoms of a Punctured Lung
The signs and symptoms of a collapsed or punctured lung may include any or all of the following:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Bluish skin discoloration (cyanosis)
- Dry cough
- Fast, shallow breathing (tachypnea)
- Fast heartbeat
- Fatigue
Lung Injuries During Car Accidents
Blunt force trauma to the chest during a car accident or broken ribs caused by a car accident can result in a punctured lung or a collapsed lung requiring emergency medical treatment.
What is a Catastrophic Injury?
A catastrophic injury is one that is life threatening and requires immediate medical attention. A catastrophic injury may have a permanent, debilitating effect or may take months or years to heal.
Common Types of Catastrophic Injuries
- Severe burns causing nerve damage and permanent disfigurement
- Spinal cord injuries causing partial or total paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries causing cognitive and motor impairment
- Traumatic orthopedic injuries, such as breaks, fractures, or dislocations, sometimes requiring amputation
A punctured or collapsed lung is not considered catastrophic if the victim seeks and receives immediate medical attention.
How a Punctured Lung Affects Your Quality of Life
Most people who suffer a punctured lung make a full recovery with no after effects. Depending upon the seriousness of your condition and likelihood of recurrence, your physician may have recommendations for you such as quitting smoking or avoiding activities that expose you to changes in atmospheric pressure, such as flying or scuba diving.
Will I Miss Work When Recovering From a Punctured Lung?
Whether you miss work while recovering from a punctured lung will depend upon the type of work you do and the seriousness of your injury. It commonly takes six to eight weeks to fully recover from a punctured lung, and your physician may recommend any or all of the following during that recovery period:
- Stay active but get enough rest.
- Sleep in an elevated position the first few days following the accident.
- Avoid unnecessary pressure on the ribcage.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing.
- Do not smoke.
- Avoid a sudden change in air pressure (such as flying).
- Do not drive until you’re fully recovered.
- Perform the breathing exercises your doctor gave you when ready.
- Watch for signs of a recurrence.
Are There Long-Term Effects of a Punctured Lung?
The primary long-term effect of a punctured lung due to trauma is recurrence. If you smoke, recurrence is more likely than if you do not smoke.
Was Your Lung Injury the Result of Driver Negligence?
If you suffered a punctured lung during a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, damage to your car, and pain and suffering.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You After a Punctured Lung Injury
Car insurance companies only make money when they deny claims or underpay claims. They have a team of lawyers protecting their interests. You need to fight fire with fire. Call the car accident lawyers at Cousin Benny for help getting the compensation you deserve.
At Cousin Benny, we treat you like family.
