Symptoms of a Punctured Lung Injury
Auto accidents can be violent, sometimes involving blunt force trauma to the occupants of the vehicles. When trauma to the chest occurs in an auto accident, it can lead to a number of internal injuries, like a fractured rib or a damaged lung. A fractured rib or other protrusion into the chest cavity can puncture a lung.
When the lung is punctured, it releases air into the chest cavity, causing the lung to deflate and collapse under the pressure. If a punctured lung is left untreated, it can eventually result in a collapsed lung. Punctured and collapsed lung injuries after an Atlanta car crash can range in severity.
Sometimes the injured person can heal almost entirely and have no complications; however, there are victims that have died as a result of lung injuries.
Symptoms of a punctured lung can include:
- Difficulty Breathing – A punctured lung can lead to limited lung function capacity, causing rapid breathing and shortness of breath.
- Chest Pain – A punctured lung can cause either a dull pain or sharp pain in the chest.
- Bluish Skin Color (Cyanosis) – A punctured lung injury can cause oxygen levels in the blood to drop, causing the skin to turn bluish in color. This discoloration is usually apparent on the lips, mouth, other mucus membranes and nail beds.
- Cough – A punctured lung can cause a person to develop a dry, consistent cough.
If you experience shortness of breath, increased heart rate, weak pulse, a cough, fever, low blood pressure, fatigue, or find yourself looking bluish in color after an Atlanta auto collision, it is important to get medical treatment immediately.
A lung injury after a car accident can be life threatening. If your injury was caused by a negligent driver, you need to talk with a skilled Atlanta auto accident attorney at Kalka & Baer LLC. Our experienced personal injury lawyers will answer your questions and provide you with more information about your rights to a financial recovery.
