When an accident happens, the injuries you see aren’t always the most dangerous. Internal injuries can be life-threatening and often go undiagnosed until it’s too late.
At The Johnson Injury Firm, our experienced injury lawyers in Richmond understand the devastating impact of internal injuries and how they can affect your health, livelihood, and future. As experienced Richmond internal injury lawyers, we are here to ensure that you receive the medical care, compensation, and justice you deserve.
Understanding Internal Injuries and Their Consequences
Internal injuries refer to damage to internal organs, blood vessels, or bones that may not be immediately visible. These injuries can occur due to car accidents, slips and falls, workplace accidents, and other traumatic events.
Common internal injuries include:
- Organ Damage – Injuries to the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs can lead to severe complications and require emergency medical attention.
- Internal Bleeding – Blood vessels may rupture due to trauma, leading to dangerous blood loss that is not always immediately apparent.
- Brain Hemorrhage – A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can cause internal bleeding in the brain, leading to cognitive and neurological impairments.
- Rib Fractures and Punctured Lungs – Broken ribs can puncture the lungs, causing breathing difficulties and infections.
- Abdominal Injuries – Blunt force trauma to the abdomen can damage the intestines, stomach, or bladder, leading to severe complications.
How Internal Injuries Happen
Internal injuries can occur in various accidents, many resulting from negligence. These injuries are particularly dangerous because symptoms may not appear immediately, leading to delayed treatment and severe complications. Some of the most common causes include:
Car and Truck Accidents
Motor vehicle collisions are among the leading causes of internal injuries due to the intense force involved in crashes. Even with seat belts and airbags, drivers and passengers can suffer internal bleeding, organ damage, and rib fractures. High-speed impacts, T-bone crashes, and rollovers are particularly dangerous.
According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, over 122,000 traffic crashes were reported in 2023, many resulting in severe internal trauma.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Falls are often underestimated when it comes to internal injuries. A sudden impact on a hard surface can lead to internal bleeding, head injuries, and damage to internal organs.
Older adults are especially vulnerable to life-threatening internal injuries from falls. Under Virginia Code §8.01-243, victims of slip and fall accidents have two years to file a personal injury claim.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents
Cyclists and pedestrians have little protection when struck by a vehicle, making them highly susceptible to internal injuries. The force of impact can cause abdominal trauma, broken ribs that puncture organs, or brain hemorrhages. Even seemingly minor accidents can result in serious internal complications.
Boating and Watercraft Accidents
Collisions on the water, sudden jolts from high-speed boating, or being thrown overboard can lead to internal injuries. A sharp impact with a boat’s hull, a dock, or submerged objects can cause blunt force trauma, damaging internal organs.
Defective Products and Consumer Accidents
Faulty products, such as malfunctioning airbags, defective car seats, or unsafe household appliances, can lead to internal injuries. A defective airbag that deploys too forcefully can cause blunt trauma to the chest, while poorly designed furniture or heavy objects can fall and cause internal bleeding.
Sports and Recreational Accidents
High-impact sports like football, soccer, or extreme sports such as motocross and skiing can lead to serious internal injuries. A forceful blow to the body, especially to the abdomen or head, can result in internal bleeding or organ damage.
Internal injuries can be life-threatening if left untreated. If you or a loved one has suffered an internal injury due to someone else’s negligence, seeking medical attention and legal guidance is crucial.
Signs and Symptoms of Internal Injuries
One of the biggest dangers of internal injuries is that symptoms may not appear immediately. If you’ve been involved in an accident, look for the following warning signs:
- Severe abdominal pain or swelling
- Dizziness or fainting
- Shortness of breath
- Deep bruising
- Vomiting blood
- Rapid heart rate
- Confusion or slurred speech
Ignoring these symptoms can be fatal. Seeking immediate medical attention is critical for diagnosing and treating internal injuries before complications arise.
Your Legal Rights After an Internal Injury in Virginia
If you or a loved one suffered internal injuries due to someone else’s negligence, you have legal rights. Virginia law allows victims to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Proving Liability in an Internal Injury Case
To recover damages, we must establish the following elements of negligence:
- Duty of Care – The at-fault party had a legal obligation to act responsibly.
- Breach of Duty – They failed to uphold their duty through reckless or negligent actions.
- Causation – Their negligence directly caused your injuries.
- Damages – You suffered financial, physical, and emotional harm as a result.
Our team will conduct a thorough investigation, gather medical evidence, consult with experts, and build a compelling case on your behalf.
Virginia’s Contributory Negligence Rule
Virginia follows a pure contributory negligence rule, meaning that you may be barred from recovering compensation if you are found even 1% at fault for your accident. This makes it essential to have an experienced personal injury lawyer in Richmond handling your case to counter any attempts by insurance companies to shift blame.
Compensation for Internal Injury Victims
Victims of internal injuries often face mounting medical bills, prolonged recovery periods, and emotional distress. Our Richmond injury attorneys fight to recover maximum compensation for:
- Medical Expenses – Emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages – Compensation for missed work and reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering – Physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
- Long-Term Disability – We ensure you receive financial support if your injuries lead to permanent impairment.
Why Choose The Johnson Injury Firm?
At The Johnson Injury Firm, we have a proven track record of successfully representing internal injury victims throughout Richmond. Our team is dedicated to providing each client with aggressive legal representation and personalized support. Here’s why injury victims trust us:
- Decades of Experience – We have extensive experience handling complex personal injury cases.
- Client-Focused Approach – We prioritize communication, transparency, and client satisfaction.
- No Fees Unless We Win – We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we recover compensation.
- Proven Results – Our attorneys have secured millions in settlements and verdicts for injured clients.
Contact a Richmond Internal Injury Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one suffered internal injuries due to someone else’s negligence, don’t wait to take legal action. The sooner you contact us, the better we can protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Call The Johnson Injury Firm today for a free consultation with an experienced Richmond internal injury lawyer. Let us fight for you while you focus on healing.
