Internal Injury Lawyer in Seattle

Internal injuries from accidents can be life-threatening and require immediate legal action. We represent Seattle accident victims suffering from hidden trauma that insurance companies often undervalue. Our car accident law firm in Seattle has helped countless clients recover compensation for internal bleeding, organ damage, and other serious internal wounds. Call for free consultation – we don’t get paid unless you win your case.

At Elsner Law Firm, we understand that internal injuries are among the most dangerous types of trauma because symptoms may not appear right away. Our decades of combined experience handling complex personal injury cases means we know how to investigate, document, and prove the full extent of your internal injuries. We work with medical experts who can explain how your injuries occurred and what treatment you’ll need moving forward.

What Are Internal Injuries?

Internal injuries occur when organs, blood vessels, or tissues inside your body are damaged without external wounds being visible. These injuries can result from blunt force trauma, penetrating wounds, or sudden deceleration in accidents. Internal bleeding is often the most serious complication, as blood can pool in body cavities where it cannot clot properly.

Common types of internal injuries we handle include:

Abdominal trauma: Damage to organs like the liver, spleen, kidneys, or intestines
Internal bleeding: Blood loss from damaged vessels or organs that can be fatal
Lung injuries: Pneumothorax (collapsed lung) or punctured lung from broken ribs
Heart trauma: Damage to the heart muscle or surrounding tissues
Diaphragm rupture: Tears in the muscle separating chest and abdominal cavities
Aortic injuries: Damage to the body’s main artery, which can cause rapid blood loss
Kidney damage: Trauma that can lead to permanent kidney dysfunction
Liver lacerations: Cuts or tears in the liver that cause internal bleeding

Internal injuries require immediate medical attention because complications can develop rapidly. Blood loss can lead to shock, while damaged organs may not function properly. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for recovery.

Common Causes of Internal Injuries in Seattle

Motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of internal injuries in our practice. The sudden impact and forces involved in car crashes can cause organs to shift violently or be crushed against other body structures. We see internal injury cases from various accident types:

High-speed car accidents: Front-end and side-impact collisions create tremendous force
Truck accidents: The size difference between trucks and passenger vehicles increases injury severity
Motorcycle crashes: Riders have no protection from impact forces
Pedestrian accidents: Being struck by vehicles causes severe blunt force trauma
Bicycle accidents: Falls and vehicle strikes can cause serious internal damage
Slip and fall incidents: Hard impacts on concrete or other surfaces

Our truck accident attorneys have seen how commercial vehicle collisions often result in multiple internal injuries due to the massive forces involved. Large truck accidents frequently cause abdominal trauma, lung injuries, and internal bleeding that require emergency surgery.

Diagnosing Internal Injuries

Medical professionals use several diagnostic tools to identify internal injuries that may not be immediately obvious. Quick diagnosis can mean the difference between life and death. Doctors typically use these methods:

CT scans: Detailed images show internal bleeding and organ damage
Ultrasounds: Quick bedside tests to detect fluid in body cavities
X-rays: Reveal broken ribs or other bone injuries that may indicate internal trauma
MRI scans: Detailed views of soft tissue damage and blood vessel injuries
Blood tests: Check for signs of internal bleeding and organ dysfunction
Physical examination: Doctors look for bruising patterns and tender areas
Vital sign monitoring: Changes in blood pressure and heart rate indicate blood loss

Time is absolutely critical when internal injuries are suspected. Emergency room doctors are specially trained to look for subtle signs that indicate serious internal damage. Patients may feel fine initially due to adrenaline, but internal bleeding can quickly become life-threatening.

Treatment Options for Internal Injuries

Treatment approaches depend on the location and severity of internal damage. Our clients often face lengthy recovery periods and multiple surgeries. Common treatment methods include:

Emergency surgery: Immediate operations to stop bleeding and repair damaged organs
Blood transfusions: Replace blood lost from internal bleeding
Medication management: Pain control and preventing infection
Monitoring in intensive care: Close observation for complications
Physical therapy: Regaining strength and mobility after recovery
Follow-up surgeries: Additional procedures may be needed as healing progresses

Recovery from serious internal injuries can take many months or even years to complete. Many of our clients require extensive ongoing medical care and cannot return to their previous work capacity. We factor all future medical needs into settlement negotiations.

According to the American College of Surgeons, internal injuries account for approximately 10-15% of all trauma-related hospital admissions, but they result in significantly higher mortality rates than external injuries. This data helps us demonstrate to insurance companies why internal injury cases deserve substantial compensation.

Why Choose Elsner Law Firm for Your Internal Injury Case

We bring decades of combined experience to every internal injury case we handle. Our track record includes numerous substantial recoveries for clients who suffered internal trauma in accidents. Here’s what sets us apart:

Medical expert network: We work with specialists who understand internal injury complications
Thorough case investigation: We examine accident scenes, medical records, and witness statements
No upfront costs: You pay nothing unless we win your case
Personal attention: You work directly with experienced attorneys, not support staff
Trial experience: We’re prepared to take your case to court if needed
Local knowledge: We understand Seattle traffic patterns and accident causes

Our team includes Justin Elsner as Managing Attorney and Angela Elsner as our skilled Paralegal. This experienced team approach means your internal injury case gets the focused attention it deserves.

Many internal injury cases become wrongful death cases when complications arise or treatment fails. We handle both scenarios and work closely with families during these difficult times.

Compensation for Internal Injury Cases

Internal injury victims may recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. The hidden nature of these injuries often means insurance companies try to minimize claims. We fight for full compensation that includes:

Medical expenses: Emergency room visits, surgeries, medication, and ongoing treatment
Lost wages: Time off work during recovery and reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering: Physical discomfort and emotional trauma from the accident
Disability accommodations: Modifications needed if permanent limitations result
Future medical care: Ongoing treatment and potential complications
Loss of enjoyment: Activities you can no longer participate in due to injuries

Research from the National Safety Council shows that internal injury cases typically result in higher settlement amounts than other injury types due to the serious nature of organ damage and internal bleeding complications. This data supports our approach to seeking maximum compensation for our clients.

We work with medical economists and life care planners to calculate the true cost of your internal injuries. This includes estimating future medical needs, lost earning potential, and quality of life impacts. Our experienced team understands how to present this evidence effectively to insurance companies and juries in Seattle courts.

The compensation for personal injury damages in internal injury cases often exceeds initial expectations because complications can develop over time. We stay involved throughout your recovery to address any new medical issues that arise.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file an internal injury lawsuit in Washington?

Washington State gives you three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, some internal injuries may not be discovered immediately. In rare cases, the statute of limitations may start from when you discovered or should have discovered the injury. We recommend consulting with us as soon as possible after your accident.

Can internal injuries be fatal?

Yes, internal injuries can be life-threatening, especially when internal bleeding is involved. Organs like the liver and spleen can bleed rapidly into the abdominal cavity. Quick medical treatment is critical. If your loved one died from internal injuries caused by someone else’s negligence, we can help with wrongful death claims.

What if my internal injury symptoms appeared days after my accident?

Delayed symptoms are common with internal injuries and don’t hurt your legal case. Adrenaline and shock can mask pain initially. We document the timeline of when symptoms appeared and connect them to your accident. Keep detailed records of all symptoms and seek medical attention immediately.

How do you prove internal injuries were caused by an accident?

We use medical records, expert testimony, and accident reconstruction to establish causation. Our network of medical experts can explain how the forces in your accident could have caused your specific internal injuries. We also gather evidence from the accident scene and witness statements.

Local Seattle Resources for Internal Injury Recovery

Seattle-area trauma centers and specialized internal medicine facilities provide critical care for internal injury patients. We work closely with these local resources to ensure our clients receive emergency and ongoing treatment for complex internal injuries:

Level 1 Trauma Centers and Emergency Care:

Harborview Medical Center – Washington State’s only Level 1 trauma center with 24/7 emergency surgery capability
University of Washington Medical Center – Advanced trauma services with specialized internal injury treatment teams
Swedish Medical Center First Hill – Comprehensive emergency services and trauma surgery programs
Virginia Mason Medical Center – Emergency department with rapid internal injury assessment and treatment
Seattle Children’s Hospital – Pediatric trauma and internal injury care for younger patients

Specialized Internal Medicine and Surgery Centers:

Swedish Medical Center Gastroenterology – Advanced treatment for abdominal and digestive system injuries
University of Washington Cardiovascular Surgery – Specialized care for heart and vascular internal injuries
Seattle Cancer Care Alliance – Complex internal injury treatment and organ-specific care
Pacific Medical Centers – Multi-specialty internal medicine with trauma follow-up care
Puget Sound Surgical Associates – Emergency and trauma surgery specialists throughout Seattle

Advanced Imaging and Diagnostic Centers:

Seattle Radiology – Emergency CT scans, MRI, and ultrasound for internal injury diagnosis
Puget Sound Imaging – 24/7 trauma imaging with multiple Seattle locations
Advanced Radiology Services – Rapid internal injury assessment with same-day results
University of Washington Imaging – Research-grade imaging technology for complex internal injuries
Swedish Medical Imaging – Comprehensive diagnostic imaging with trauma protocols

Critical Care and Intensive Care Units:

Harborview ICU – Level 1 intensive care for severe internal injury patients
University of Washington ICU – Advanced critical care with internal injury specialists
Swedish Medical Center ICU – Comprehensive intensive care with 24/7 monitoring
Virginia Mason Critical Care – Specialized intensive care for internal injury recovery
Seattle Children’s PICU – Pediatric intensive care for internal injuries in children

Rehabilitation and Recovery Services:

University of Washington Rehabilitation Medicine – Comprehensive recovery programs for internal injury patients
Swedish Medical Rehabilitation – Post-surgical and internal injury recovery programs
Harborview Rehabilitation Services – Trauma recovery and long-term care planning
Seattle Physical Therapy – Specialized rehabilitation for internal injury recovery
Overlake Medical Rehabilitation – Comprehensive recovery services for complex internal injuries

Specialized Follow-up Care:

Seattle Gastroenterology – Long-term care for abdominal and digestive internal injuries
Pacific Northwest Cardiology – Heart and cardiovascular internal injury follow-up care
Puget Sound Pulmonology – Lung and respiratory internal injury treatment
Seattle Nephrology Associates – Kidney and urological internal injury care
Virginia Mason Hepatology – Liver injury specialists and long-term care

Support and Resources:

Trauma Survivors Network – Support groups for internal injury survivors and families
Washington State Department of Labor & Industries – Workers’ compensation for workplace internal injuries
Seattle Patient Navigator Program – Help coordinating complex internal injury care
Harborview Trauma Social Services – Support for trauma patients and families during recovery
Internal Injury Foundation – Educational resources and patient advocacy for internal trauma survivors

Contact Us Today

Call Elsner Law Firm today for your free consultation about your internal injury case in Seattle. We understand the serious nature of internal trauma and the devastating impact it has on your life and family. With decades of combined experience serving Seattle area accident victims, we know how to build strong cases that result in maximum financial compensation. Our contingency fee arrangement means you pay nothing unless we successfully win your case. Don’t let insurance companies minimize your internal injury claim – contact Elsner Law Firm now to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.