The Symptoms of a Collapsed Lung

One of the scariest things about car accidents is the fact that it is often difficult to assess your own injuries immediately after the collision. Not only are you involved in an incredibly stressful and confusing situation, but your body is filled with adrenaline, which makes it challenging to judge your own pain.

Losing your breath is common following a forceful collision. Indeed, many car accident victims report shortness of breath, either because of contact with the steering wheel, the dashboard, a seat directly in front of them, or even the restraining force of the seat belt. In many cases, that shortness of breath is merely a symptom of a having the wind knocked out of you. As painful and debilitating as it is, you will soon regain your breath. However, this can also be a sign of something far more serious: A collapsed lung. The symptoms of a collapsed lung include:

• Intense chest pain;
• Shoulder pain;
• Rapid heartbeat;
• Fast, shallow breathing;
• Shortness of breath;
• Chest tightness;
• Coughing; and
• Fatigue.

Notably, collapsed lung injuries vary in their severity. In some cases, a collapsed lung injury is so bad that it is immediately obvious to the victim. However, this is certainly not always true. For some victims, a collapsed lung can be difficult to identify. This is why it is imperative that all victims seek professional medical attention after being injured in an auto accident. Remember, it is always better to be safe rather than sorry.

Collapsed Lung Injuries: What Treatment is Required?

With collapsed lungs, the necessary treatment will vary depending on the severity of the injury and the overall health of the patient. All collapsed lung injuries require a comprehensive medical evaluation by a qualified professional. If the lung collapsed is determined to be relatively minor, to the extent that any collapsed lung injury can actually be “minor”, the doctor may simply prescribe supplemental oxygen and monitoring of the condition for a few weeks. In more serious collapsed lung injury cases, a chest tube may need to be inserted in order to remove excess air and re-inflate the lung. Further, in the very worst collapsed lung injury cases, a victim may need to undergo invasive surgery to get their damaged lung repaired.

How Much Compensation Can You Recover for a Collapsed Lung Injury?

For a victim, a collapsed lung can be completely debilitating. This type of injury is associated with tremendous pain and suffering as well as considerable economic damage. Under Utah state law, collapsed lung victims have a legal right to recover full and fair compensation from the at fault party. In order to maximize your financial recovery, you will need to properly document your damages and you will need to be ready to deal with insurance adjusters. Ultimately, the amount you will be entitled to recover will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. Our team can help you seek financial relief for:

• Emergency medical expenses;
• All other hospital bills;
• Required physical therapy;
• Medication;
• Medical equipment;
• Lost wages;
• Pain and suffering;
• Emotional distress; and
• Loss of life enjoyment.

Contact a Salt Lake Collapsed Lung Attorney Today

We can help. At Christensen & Hymas, our dedicated collapsed lung attorneys in Salt Lake City have extensive experience handling collapsed lung injury claims. To learn more about what our team can do for your, please contact us today to set up a free, no-obligation review of your case. We represent injured victims throughout the state of Utah, including in Salt Lake City, Draper Provo, Farmington, Bountiful and Orem.