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If you’re experiencing chest pain after a car accident, understand the potential causes, implications, and how Conoscienti and Ledbetter can assist in navigating your legal options for recovery.
Author: J. Blake Ledbetter, Partner, Conoscienti & Ledbetter
Mr. Ledbetter specializes in civil litigation in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia, and possesses vast experience in wrongful death lawsuits. Mr. Ledbetter was recognized as a SuperLawyers Rising Star in 2018 and 2019 in the area of Civil Litigation. Published on March 26, 2024.
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Chest pain after a car accident is one of the personal injuries that should never be taken lightly. When involved in a vehicle collision, the force exerted on the body can lead to a range of traumatic injuries, including myocardial contusion—a bruise of the heart muscle—and fractures to internal organs such as broken ribs that could cause severe pain and complications if not promptly addressed.
Recognizing the signs early and seeking medical evaluation is crucial. A chest injury’s symptoms may include obvious discomfort, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, or swelling. These may indicate more severe injury such as a pulmonary contusion, that is not immediately visible. Consulting with a doctor after an accident is essential to ensure that if medical treatment is needed, it is administered promptly, mitigating the risk of long-term damage.
At Conoscienti and Ledbetter, we are committed to defending your legal rights and guiding you or your loved one through the complexities that follow a car accident. With our extensive understanding of personal injury law, we walk with our clients from the beginning to ensure they get fair compensation.
Understanding Chest Pain After a Car Accident
Experiencing chest pain after a car accident is common, and intense pain can be indicative of various types of injuries. Given the complexity of the chest area, which houses important organs such as the heart and lungs, it’s essential to understand the potential causes and implications of chest pain so that you know what to be on the lookout for.
Common Causes and Injuries
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During a crash, impact injuries may result from seat belts, airbags, or the steering wheel. While designed for safety, these can cause bruising, contusions, or more severe trauma.
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Rib fractures or a fractured sternum can occur due to the force exerted upon the chest.
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The sudden impact may cause myocardial contusion and bruising of the heart muscle that can mimic heart attack symptoms or lead to cardiac complications, which require quick medical attention, as detailed in a case report.
When to Seek Medical Attention
It’s essential to seek medical attention when you or your loved one experiences chest pains after a car accident. Here are some common chest injury symptoms which in case you experience you need to rush to the hospital:
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Severe chest injury pain
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Swelling
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Stiffness
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Dizziness
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Fatigue
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Internal bleeding
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Injury to the lung tissue
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Laceration of organs like the liver or spleen
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Bruising to the lungs or fractured ribs
Medical documentation plays a crucial role in personal injury claims by providing objective evidence of injuries sustained, treatments received, and their impact on the individual. This documentation assists in establishing the severity and nature of injuries, how they were sustained, and the link between the injuries and the incident in question. It forms the basis for determining fair compensation by demonstrating the extent of harm suffered.
Speak with trusted personal injury attorney today, for free.
Legal Perspectives on Chest Pain After Car Accidents
Personal injury law involving car accidents encompasses legal principles and processes to provide compensation and justice to those injured due to negligence, recklessness, or carelessness. This branch of law involves establishing fault, typically through proving negligence, to hold responsible parties accountable. Compensation for car accident victims may include physical ailments such as severe chest injuries, psychological distress, pain and suffering, lost income, medical expenses, and related costs. Victims or their families pursue claims against at-fault parties or insurance companies, navigating negotiations or litigation to seek rightful compensation.
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for chest injuries, governed by OCGA §9-3-33, sets a strict two-year deadline to file a legal claim from when the injury occurred. Failing to meet this deadline typically results in losing the right to seek compensation for chest injuries sustained in accidents. Therefore, car accident victims must act promptly and consult a legal professional to ensure compliance with the statute of limitations and protect their rights.
How Conoscienti and Ledbetter Can Help
Here’s how we can help:
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Our extensive experience in personal injury law will help advise you on what legal angle to take.
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After we review your case, we will walk with you throughout the process to ensure we increase your chances of getting fair compensation.
Remember, we at Conoscienti and Ledbetter are not just attorneys but advocates for your right to healing and compensation.
Steps to Take Following a Car Accident
After being involved in a car accident, taking appropriate steps to ensure your safety and legal rights are protected is crucial. Here is what to do immediately at the scene and after to ensure you have the best possible outcome.
Immediate Action at the Scene:
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Ensure Safety: If possible, move to a safe area to prevent further harm.
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Seek Medical Attention: Even a minor chest injury warrants a prompt medical evaluation. The evaluation may involve an X-ray or CT scan to assess for muscle or lung damage.
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Document Everything: Collect evidence such as photos, witness information, and personal recollections.
Post-Accident Measures:
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Seek medical treatment immediately for a comprehensive medical examination: Visit the emergency room or your healthcare provider to receive a proper diagnosis, which could include chest X-rays to check for a lung or chest infection.
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Legal Consultation: It’s important to contact a personal injury attorney who will advise you. Contact us at Conoscienti and Ledbetter, and we will guide you through the steps toward your legal pursuit of compensation.
Don’t delay. Schedule a risk-free consultation today.
Why Choose Conoscienti and Ledbetter?
Experiencing a car accident chest pain can be a sign of severe and potentially life-threatening injuries, such as myocardial contusion or even a bruised sternum. Considering these symptoms seriously is crucial for your health and legal compensation process.
At Conoscienti and Ledbetter, we understand the depth of a personal injury attorney. Our team has handled personal injury claims in the past. Every case receives our full attention as we tailor a personalized legal strategy that maximizes your chances of a favorable outcome. Choose Conoscienti and Ledbetter today, where we combine compassion with the relentless pursuit of justice for any personal injury claim.
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(404) 373-5800
315 W Ponce de Leon Ave. Suite 400 Decatur, GA 30030
