Internal organ injuries are among the most serious consequences of trauma. These hidden injuries can be life-threatening, yet symptoms often don’t appear immediately after an accident. When someone else’s negligence causes internal organ damage, victims deserve experienced legal representation to secure full compensation for their losses.
At Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C., our Chicago internal organ injury attorneys have successfully recovered millions of dollars for clients suffering from internal injuries. Head attorney Matthew Willens brings decades of experience handling complex trauma cases, including a landmark $15.8 million verdict for a traumatic brain injury case and numerous multi-million dollar settlements for serious injury victims.
Call us for a free consultation at (312) 957-4166. We’re ready to listen and provide legal guidance. No lawyer fees until we win for you.
Understanding Internal Organ Injuries
Internal organ injuries occur when trauma damages organs inside the body. Trauma commonly affects critical organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, bowel, lungs, and heart. According to peer-reviewed medical research, motor vehicle crashes are the most frequent cause of blunt abdominal trauma, accounting for 75% of cases. The most frequently affected organs were the liver, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, stomach, bowels, gallbladder, and urinary bladder.
Types of Internal Organ Injuries We Handle
Liver Injuries
Liver damage from blunt trauma can cause internal bleeding, infection, and long-term health problems. The liver processes toxins and produces essential proteins, making injuries particularly serious. Signs can include stomach pain, nausea, and yellowing of the skin.
Spleen Injuries
A ruptured spleen causes dangerous internal bleeding requiring immediate medical attention. The spleen cleanses blood and helps combat infections. Removal may be necessary in severe cases, leaving patients vulnerable to certain infections.
Kidney Injuries
Kidney trauma can lead to blood in urine, flank pain, and potential kidney failure. These organs filter waste from blood, making damage particularly concerning for long-term health.
Lung Injuries
Punctured lungs or collapsed lungs (pneumothorax) prevent proper breathing. Such injuries need prompt medical care to avoid potentially fatal complications.
Heart and Vascular Injuries
Trauma to the heart or major blood vessels can cause heart attacks, irregular heartbeat, or massive internal bleeding. These injuries are often fatal without immediate intervention.
Intestinal Injuries
Damage to the small or large intestine can cause internal bleeding, infection, and sepsis. Surgical repair is often necessary to prevent life-threatening complications.
Common Causes of Internal Organ Injuries in Chicago
Motor Vehicle Accidents
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports 40,901 traffic fatalities in 2023 alone. Motor vehicle crashes cause internal injuries through:
- Blunt force trauma from steering wheels or dashboards
- Seatbelt compression injuries
- Side-impact collisions affecting organs
- Rollover accidents causing multiple trauma.
Workplace Accidents
Industrial accidents often cause severe internal injuries through:
- Machinery accidents
- Falls from heights
- Crushing injuries
- Chemical exposure.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Falls can cause internal injuries when victims:
- Fall on hard surfaces
- Strike objects during the fall
- Experience high-impact landings.
Medical Malpractice
Healthcare provider negligence can cause internal organ damage through:
- Surgical errors damaging nearby organs
- Misdiagnosis leading to delayed treatment
- Medication errors causing organ failure
- Birth injuries affecting newborns.
Defective Products
Faulty products can cause internal injuries through:
- Exploding devices
- Defective safety equipment
- Contaminated food or drugs
- Dangerous pharmaceuticals.
Recognizing Internal Organ Injury Symptoms
Internal injuries don’t always show immediate symptoms. Warning signs include:
- Abdominal pain or tenderness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Rapid heartbeat
- Dizziness or fainting
- Blood in urine or stool
- Bruising around the abdomen
- Shoulder pain (indicating spleen injury)
- Swollen abdomen.
If you experience these symptoms after an accident, seek immediate medical attention. Delayed treatment can worsen injuries and complicate legal claims.
The Hidden Dangers of Internal Injuries
Internal organ injuries pose unique challenges:
Delayed Symptoms
Many internal injuries don’t cause immediate pain. Victims may feel fine initially, only to develop serious complications hours or days later. This delay can be fatal without proper medical monitoring.
Complex Diagnosis
Internal injuries require advanced imaging like CT scans or MRIs for diagnosis. Emergency rooms may miss these injuries during initial examinations, leading to dangerous delays in treatment.
Long-term Complications
Even treated internal injuries can cause lasting problems including:
- Chronic pain
- Organ dysfunction
- Increased infection risk
- Need for future surgeries
- Permanent disability.
Compensation for Internal Organ Injuries
Internal organ injury victims may recover compensation for:
Medical Expenses
- Emergency room treatment
- Surgery and hospitalization
- Rehabilitation therapy
- Prescription medications
- Future medical care
- Medical equipment and devices.
Lost Income
- Wages lost during recovery
- Reduced earning capacity
- Lost benefits and bonuses
- Missed career advancement opportunities.
Pain and Suffering
- Physical pain and discomfort
- Emotional trauma and anxiety
- Loss of life enjoyment
- Permanent disfigurement or disability.
Punitive Damages
In cases where the defendant was extremely negligent, courts may award punitive damages to the victim as a form of punishment for wrongdoers and deterrence against similar conduct.
Why Choose Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers
Proven Track Record
Our Chicago internal organ injury lawyers have recovered significant compensation for clients, including:
- $15.8 million verdict for traumatic brain injury
- $12.25 million settlement for birth injury
- $7 million settlement for surgical error
- $4 million settlement for failure to diagnose lung cancer
- Multiple million-dollar awards for serious trauma cases.
Comprehensive Legal Experience
Attorney Matthew Willens brings decades of experience handling complex personal injury cases. Our firm has successfully represented clients in:
- Motor vehicle accident cases
- Medical malpractice claims
- Premises liability lawsuits
- Product liability cases
- Workplace injury claims.
Resources and Expertise
We work with leading medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and economists to build strong cases. Our team investigates every aspect of your case to maximize compensation.
You Pay Nothing Unless We Succeed
We represent clients on a contingency fee arrangement. You owe no legal fees unless we secure compensation for your injuries.
Medical Treatment for Internal Organ Injuries
Internal organ injuries require specialized medical care:
Emergency Treatment
Immediate stabilization focuses on:
- Controlling bleeding
- Monitoring vital signs
- Pain management
- Preventing shock.
Diagnostic Procedures
Doctors use advanced imaging to identify injuries:
- CT scans with contrast
- MRI imaging
- Ultrasound examination
- Blood tests for organ function.
Surgical Intervention
Many internal injuries require surgery:
- Emergency laparotomy for bleeding
- Organ repair or removal
- Minimally invasive procedures
- Follow-up surgeries for complications.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Long-term treatment may include:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Pain management
- Psychological counseling.
Legal Challenges in Internal Organ Injury Cases
These cases present unique legal challenges:
- Proving causation: We must establish that the defendant’s actions directly caused your internal injuries. This requires expert medical testimony linking the accident to your specific injuries.
- Demonstrating damages: Internal injuries may not be visible, making it crucial to document the full extent of your damages through medical records, expert testimony, and life care planning.
- Dealing with insurance companies: Insurance companies often undervalue internal injury claims. Our experienced attorneys know how to negotiate effectively and fight for full compensation.
- Statute of limitations: Illinois law generally provides two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, internal injuries discovered later may extend this deadline under the discovery rule.
The Investigation Process
Our Chicago internal organ injury lawyers conduct thorough investigations:
Medical Record Review
We examine all medical records, including:
- Emergency room reports
- Surgical notes
- Diagnostic imaging
- Treatment plans
- Follow-up care.
Accident Reconstruction
We work with experts to reconstruct accidents and determine fault through:
- Scene examination
- Vehicle inspection
- Witness interviews
- Expert analysis.
Expert Witnesses
We retain qualified experts including:
- Trauma surgeons
- Emergency medicine physicians
- Accident reconstruction specialists
- Economic damage experts
- Life care planners.
Contact Our Chicago Internal Organ Injury Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one suffered internal organ injuries due to someone else’s negligence, don’t wait to seek legal help. Early intervention protects your rights and preserves crucial evidence.
Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C. are recognized as top-rated attorneys in the personal injury field, with a proven track record of securing millions in compensation for injured clients. Our $15.8 million traumatic brain injury verdict and numerous multi-million dollar settlements demonstrate our commitment to achieving maximum compensation for seriously injured victims.
Internal Organ Injury Success Story
We successfully represented a 34-year-old woman struck at McCormick Boulevard and Golf Road in Evanston who sustained a right lacerated kidney requiring nephrectomy. After a two-day jury trial in Cook County, she was awarded $491,863 in total damages. This amount included $175,000 for pain and suffering, $259,000 for loss of normal life, $20,000 for disfigurement, $35,763 for past medical expenses, and $1,600 for lost wages. It was paid in full in her favor.
Contact us at (312) 957-4166 for a free consultation. We handle cases throughout Chicago and Illinois on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us no legal fees unless we win your case.
