The kidneys are two of our bodies’ most vital organs. They are bean shaped and located in the mid-back region, protected by the rib cage and layers of muscle. Though these organs are only the size of a fist they receive 20 percent of the blood pumped by the heart to assist them in regulating the composition of the blood, blood pressure, and remove waste and toxic substances in the urine.
Kidney damage or failure has catastrophic implications for the human body due to the number of functions the kidneys perform, and damage can come from a number of situations, such as a vehicle crash or other blunt-force collision.
The Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (FDMV) reports that in 2009 there were 235,778 crashes, which equates to 646 per day. In any accident a victim can sustain internal damage to the kidneys which can lead to severe damage and future health implications or death from renal failure.
Unfortunately, kidney damage is not an uncommon occurrence. In fact, approximately 15,000 individuals sustain kidney damage from blunt force trauma each year in the United States, many of which arise as a result of an auto accident.
Have you or a loved one experienced kidney damage because of the carelessness of another individual? If so, you may be entitled to compensation that can assist you with medical bills and lost wages from time away from work, in addition to the pain and suffering you endured as a result of the incident.
Gordon & Partners stand by the victims of negligent kidney damage and we understand the difficulty in adjusting to a life with limited kidney function, or having to endure the loss of a loved one because of kidney failure from an auto accident or other negligent act.
To find out how we can help, simply fill out the “Free Case Evaluation” form on the right side of this page. It is 100% FREE, without obligation and the details of your case always remain confidential.
Causes of Kidney Damage
The delicate soft tissues and organs inside our bodies are vulnerable to trauma inflicted by blunt, heavy objects. In the case of a car accident, the interior of the vehicle or even a seatbelt can cause severe damage to the victim’s kidneys. There are a number of scenarios where negligent or reckless behavior can damage an individual’s kidneys or other vital organs.
Some of the most common causes of kidney damage include:
- Car Accidents
- Defective Medications
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Slip and Falls
- Sports Injuries
- Truck Accidents
- Workplace Accidents
- …and many others.
In 2010, there were over 116,000 fatalities from renal failure as reported by the United States Renal Data System. Following an auto accident, kidney damage should be treated immediately so a plan for treatment can be set in motion quickly. Any delay in treatment and the damage could worsen and recovery will be more difficult, longer and more costly.
The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste and excreting fluid from our systems and if they are not in proper condition the body can be flooded with these toxins and permanently damaged, or the victim may die.
Symptoms of Kidney Damage
Following any blunt-force trauma, check for these warning signs of kidney damage and make sure to see a medical professional right away:
- Back pain
- Blood in the urine
- Clamminess
- Decreased responsiveness
- Drowsiness
- Fever
- Frequent or urgent urination
- Pale skin
- Sweating
- …to name a few.
It is important to pay close attention to the way you feel after any accident where you suspect you may have sustained internal injuries. Failing to tune into your body’s messages of pain, discomfort or irregular behavior could lead to dire consequences and a lifetime of medication and therapies to deal with kidney damage.
Treatments for Kidney Trauma
After a doctor or nurse examines the individual to detect if any damage has been sustained to the renal system, they may run a battery of tests to get conclusive results. An X-RAY, urinalysis, abdominal scan or other tests can help determine what how severe the injuries are, and ultimately what type of treatment is most appropriate.
The following are some of the most commonly prescribed treatments of kidney trauma:
- 1-2 weeks bed rest until any bleeding has stopped
- Close observation by physicians
- Dietary restrictions
- Medications to treat damages caused by toxins
- Placing a stent
- Removing the kidney
- Surgery
- Treatment of acute kidney failure
- …or another form of treatment as recommended by the medical professional.
The prognosis for recovery will always depend on a multitude of factors, such as the severity of the injury, the cause of the injury and the length of time between the injury occurring and the beginning of treatment. The kidney may work properly in many cases but in others the victim is not as lucky and complete kidney failure may result.
Reaching out to an personal injury lawyer may be your best recourse following kidney trauma that was sustained because of another person’s negligent or careless behavior. There is no guarantee that the victim of kidney damage will return to the life they had before and the hospital bills and recurring cost of treatment, dialysis or other lifelong therapies can place an enormous financial strain on an individual or a family.
Contact an Experienced Palm Beach Personal Injury Lawyer
At Gordon & Partners we believe that when a negligent action of another individual causes harm to an innocent victim, the victim may be eligible to receive compensation for all losses and damages that occurred. Our attorneys are prepared to fight in your defense and will seek the maximum compensation available in the court of law. Additionally, our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that we will not charge you for our services unless we obtain a favorable verdict or settlement
With offices in Palm Beach Gardens, Stuart, and Pembroke Pines, we are licensed to serve the entire state of Florida.
Some areas we serve include:
- Stuart
- Jensen Beach
- North Palm Beach
- West Palm Beach
- Coral Springs
- Fort Lauderdale
- …and many more
For additional information about our South Florida auto accident attorneys , we invite you to contact our firm at 1 (855) 722-2552 today. Here a member of our intake staff will gather the information about your car crash and quickly and confidentially connect you with one of our helpful attorneys ready to take control of your specific case.
Start here by completing the “Free Case Review” form on this page – It’s That Easy!