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Seattle Lung Damage Lawyers
Experienced representation for Washington State lung damage accident victims
Your ability to breathe freely in Seattle shouldn't be compromised due to preventable accidents. At Smith McBroom, we handle all types of organ damage including lung damage. With over 20 years of experience, our Seattle lung damage lawyers are dedicated to demonstrating how accidents occur and holding responsible parties accountable. We ensure you receive the necessary medical care and fight for your rights to compensation, addressing the impact of lung injuries on every aspect of your life. Contact us today to protect your legal rights.
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What types of Seattle accidents cause lung damage?
At Smith McBroom, our personal injury lawyers represent clients in the various ways that lungs can be damaged. Some of these ways include the following:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents: Your lungs can be damaged due to blunt force trauma such as when the upper body is crushed or impacted – or when broken windshield glass penetrates a lung.
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents: Walkers and pedestrians can suffer lung damage when a vehicle strikes them or when they fall to the ground.
- Fires: Property owners bear responsibility for ensuring that their property meets fire inspection standards, that they have sprinkler systems in case of a fire, and that they take other measures to ensure smoke damage doesn’t occur. Smoke damage causes lung and respiratory damage even when there are no flames.
- Negligent security attacks: Violent assaults like stabbings can cause lung damage. Generally, property owners can be held liable if they fail to take proper steps to prevent negligent security attacks on their premises.
- Medical malpractice: Lung damage can be due to improper treatment of pneumonia and various infections.
- Slip and fall accidents: Anyone who falls to the ground can fall on their chest which can cause blunt force trauma to their chest and lungs.
- Exposures to dangerous toxins: Asbestos or chemical exposure can lead to conditions like asthma, bronchitis, or pulmonary fibrosis.
Other accidents that can cause lung damage include diving accidents, sporting accidents, and blast injuries.
What is lung damage?
The most common type of lung damage due to vehicle accidents and other types of blunt force trauma or penetration injuries is a pulmonary contusion. According to the Cleveland Clinic, a pulmonary contusion is a bruised lung that can cause blood and fluid to accumulate around the lungs. A pulmonary contusion can be life-threatening.
Lung damage from penetrating injuries (such as broken glass) can puncture the lungs or cause the bones of the chest to pierce the lungs. A lung that is punctured may collapse which can cause respiratory problems, suffocation, and death. A collapsed lung (pneumothorax) occurs when “air gets inside the chest cavity (outside the lung) and creates pressure against the lung which can make it hard to breathe.”
A collapsed lung is usually treated with a chest tube aspiration. Vehicle accidents can also release dangerous chemicals and cause burns which can cause severe and permanent lung damage.
The symptoms of a pulmonary contusion, according to the Cleveland Clinic, include:
- Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Tachycardia (a fast heart rate)
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood
- Chest bruises
Possible complications of a pulmonary contusion include:
- Pneumonia
- Hypoxia (the tissues don’t get enough oxygen)
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
- Hypercapnia and respiratory acidosis (the blood has too much carbon dioxide)
Are there treatments for lung damage in Seattle?
Your doctors will normally diagnose a pulmonary contusion through a physical exam, a chest X-ray, a CT scan, and a thoracic chest ultrasound.
Seattle lung damage victims with a pulmonary contusion will be monitored. Possible treatments and medications include oxygen therapy, draining fluids, surgery, mechanical ventilation, pulmonary medications, and pain medications.
The Cleveland Clinic states that a pulmonary contusion normally takes a week to heal. If surgery is required, more healing time is needed. About one in five people with a pulmonary contusion develop pneumonia. The long-term consequences of pulmonary contusion may include reduced lung function which makes breathing difficult and fibrosis (scarring). The Cleveland Clinic states that the death rate for people with a pulmonary contusion is between 14% and 40%.
How much is my Seattle lung damage claim worth?
At Smith McBroom, our personal injury lawyers have more than 20 years of experience fighting for personal injury victims. We have an impressive record of settlements and verdicts.
Our Seattle lung damage lawyers will demand compensation for all your current and future:
- Medical expenses including ER care, surgeries, hospitalizations, doctor visits, therapy, medications, and assistive devices.
- Wage and other income losses including lost benefits and compensation because you have a permanent disability.
- Pain and suffering for your daily aches, agony, worries, and anxiety.
- Property damage.
- Loss of consortium (ability to enjoy marital relations).
- Loss of full use of your lungs.
- Loss of quality of life.
If a loved one dies due to lung damage, we seek wrongful death damages on behalf of the family including:
- Funeral and burial expenses.
- The loss of income your loved one would have provided.
- Each family member’s personal damages including the loss of comfort, love, and guidance from your loved one.
Do you have a Seattle lung damage lawyer near me?
Smith McBroom meets lung damage accident victims and families at our Seattle office located at 16400 Southcenter Parkway Suite 210. If your lung damage makes it too difficult to come to our office, we will make alternate arrangements. We also consult with clients by phone and through video conferences.
We understand how anxious you are. Our lawyers will calmly and clearly answer your questions and guide you through the claims process.
Speak with a respected Seattle lung damage attorney now
Lung damage, like other types of organ damage, can be fatal or cause serious injuries. At Smith McBroom, we’re skilled at showing what type of accident caused your lung damage and why that accident was preventable. Our Seattle lung damage lawyers file personal injury and wrongful death claims against all responsible parties. To assert your right to compensation, call us or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We represent lung damage victims in Tukwila, Seattle, and across Washington state.