Internal Injury Attorney in Washington DC

Man suffering abdominal pain from accident.

Have you suffered internal injuries and trauma due to someone else’s careless actions? Internal injuries like kidney damage and internal bleeding can be severe and potentially life-threatening. They often lead to long-term medical needs and significant financial strain. You may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what you can do to recover physically, emotionally, and financially.

If someone else’s negligence caused your internal injury, you can hold the party accountable for your harm. At Marks & Harrison, we are ready to put more than 100 years of experience to work for you. Contact us today to speak with a Washington DC internal injury lawyer in a free consultation, learn about your rights and options, and take the first steps toward recovery.

What Types of Washington DC Accidents Can Cause Internal Injuries?

Massive internal injuries can happen in many types of accidents. They often have life-altering consequences. These injuries may not be immediately noticeable, but their impact can be devastating.

Common accidents that cause internal injuries include:

What Are the Different Classifications of Internal Injuries?

Internal injuries in accidents fall into two main categories — blunt trauma and penetrating trauma. Injuries in both categories carry severe damage but occur under different circumstances.

Blunt trauma happens when an external force strikes the body without breaking the skin. This type of injury often occurs in car accidents, falls, or assaults. It may cause damage to internal organs, blood vessels, or tissues. Signs of blunt trauma usually include swelling, bruising, or internal bleeding.

Penetrating trauma occurs when an object pierces the skin and damages internal structures. Examples include gunshots or stab wounds. Penetrating injuries often require emergency surgery to repair the damage and stop life-threatening blood loss.

What Are Some Examples of Internal Injuries?

Internal injuries can vary widely depending on the type of accident and the force involved. These injuries often require immediate medical attention. Delayed treatment can lead to severe complications or even death.

Here are some common internal injuries and how they might occur:

  • Organ damage — Blunt trauma from car accidents or falls can cause damage to vital organs like the liver, spleen, or kidneys, leading to life-threatening bleeding or loss of function.
  • Internal bleeding — Blood vessels can rupture from impact injuries or penetrating trauma, causing blood to pool in the body and require emergency care.
  • Collapsed lung — Rib fractures or punctures from sharp objects can cause air to escape into the chest cavity, making breathing difficult.
  • Abdominal injuries — High-impact accidents can injure the stomach, intestines, or pancreas, potentially leading to severe infections.
  • Traumatic brain injury — Sudden head impact can cause internal bleeding or swelling inside the skull.

What Are Some Symptoms of Internal Injuries?

The symptoms of internal injuries vary depending on the severity and location of the damage. Early recognition of these signs can prevent complications and save lives.

Below are some common symptoms and potential sources of internal injuries:

  • Abdominal pain or swelling, which is often linked to internal bleeding and damage to internal organs caused by blunt trauma.
  • Shortness of breath, which may result from a collapsed lung or pressure on the diaphragm due to internal bleeding.
  • Dizziness or fainting, which are possible signs of significant blood loss from ruptured vessels or organ damage.
  • Bruising or discoloration, which can indicate trauma to internal organs or soft tissues.
  • Headaches or confusion, which may be symptoms of a traumatic brain injury caused by head impact.
  • Nausea or vomiting, which may be linked to abdominal injuries or blood pooling in the stomach.

Seek immediate medical care if you experience these symptoms after an accident. Contact our Washington DC internal injury attorney today.

What Is Needed to Prove the Other Person Is Responsible for My Internal Injuries?

You must establish four key elements to prove negligence in an internal injury case. First, you must show that the other party owed you a duty of care, such as following traffic laws or maintaining safe property conditions. Next, you must prove they breached this duty through careless or reckless actions. Then, you must demonstrate a direct link between their breach and your injuries. Finally, you must show the losses you suffered due to the breach, such as medical bills, lost income, or pain and suffering.

A Washington DC personal injury attorney at Marks & Harrison will investigate your accident by gathering evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, maintenance records, and video footage. They will also review your medical records to connect your injuries to the accident. Sometimes, they may call on experts to testify how the other party’s actions directly caused your harm. By building a strong case and establishing the other party’s liability, we can help you pursue compensation for your injuries.

What Sort of Compensation Could Be Available for a Washington DC Internal Injury Claim?

If you have suffered internal injuries in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses, including:

  • Past, ongoing, and anticipated future medical expenses
  • Expenses associated with long-term care needs or home modifications
  • Lost wages and loss of future earning potential
  • Physical and emotional pain and suffering
  • Property damage.

An experienced Washington DC internal injury lawyer at Marks & Harrison will determine the full extent of your losses and fight for compensation that covers all your needs and the losses your internal injuries caused.

Does Washington DC Set a Time Limit for Filing an Injury Lawsuit?

Under D.C. Code § 12–301, you have limited time to file a lawsuit for internal injuries. For most personal injury cases, the time limit is three years from the accident date. You may lose your right to pursue compensation if you miss this deadline. That’s why acting quickly and consulting a lawyer as soon as possible after any injury accident is important. A lawyer can help you meet all deadlines and preserve crucial evidence to strengthen your case.

Contact a Washington DC Internal Injury Attorney

Internal injuries can be catastrophic. If you are suffering from internal injuries, or if your loved one has suffered internal injuries as a result of someone else’s carelessness, you deserve financial compensation, justice, and accountability. Seek legal advice immediately. Our team at Marks & Harrison can help. We have more than 30 attorneys and 100 support staff members.

Since 1911, we have recovered millions in compensation for injured individuals throughout Virginia and the Washington DC area. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn more about your legal rights and options.