Chest Injuries Attorney in Washington State

When accidents occur, they can cause a variety of injuries, especially those that affect the chest. Within the rib cage, vital organs may be compromised with these types of injuries. The heart, lungs, esophagus, and trachea are all contained in this area, and a blunt force injury or one that penetrates could put you in a life-threatening situation.

Whether you were in a car accident or injured in another way, if another person caused you to sustain these injuries, you have the right to seek justice through a personal injury lawsuit. Jacobs and Jacobs Personal Injury Law is a Washington State injury law firm that is committed to securing compensation for victims with chest injuries.

In this article, we explain common chest injuries, how they occur, and how a chest injury lawyer in Washington State can help you recover proper compensation.

Understanding Chest Injuries

Chest injuries can occur in any type of accident, though they are most common in motor vehicle accidents and workplace incidents. Whenever the chest area is impacted, it can result in serious, life-threatening injuries.

Since personal injury accidents like these can cause adrenaline to surge, many victims do not notice their initial symptoms. Instead, they may simply think they’ve had the wind knocked out of them. Hours or days later, these symptoms could worsen and leave lasting impacts.

If you are in any kind of accident, never delay getting a medical evaluation. Doctors can treat you immediately and protect your vital organs in the chest area.

Types of Chest Injuries

Chest injuries are generally categorized into blunt force injuries or penetrating injuries. Here is a look at the differences between these types of chest injuries:

Blunt Force Chest Injuries

Blunt-force chest injuries are caused when your chest comes into contact with a solid object. You may be hit with undue force by the airbags, the steering wheel, the dashboard or by falling from a great height.

These injuries tend to cause damage to the chest wall. They can also result in internal bleeding to vital organs contained under the rib cage.

Penetrating Chest Injuries

When a foreign object pierces the chest cavity, such as a tool or parts from a motor vehicle or truck, in an accident, it can create a puncture wound that causes a life-threatening condition. While blunt-force chest injuries should be taken seriously, any wound that penetrates the chest requires urgent medical intervention.

Other chest injuries may include muscle strains, which are certainly much easier to treat, though they can cause significant pain. Any chest injury can also lead to blood building up around the heart or between the lungs and chest wall. Collapsed lungs are another frightening possibility. If you are involved in any type of accident, it is best to get checked out by medical professionals to make sure you do not have a chest injury.

Legal Aspects of Chest Injury Claims

When another person behaves negligently and causes an accident that leaves you suffering from chest injuries, you have legal rights. Washington State law requires those responsible for causing motor vehicle accidents to be held liable for the damages victims incur.

However, there is a distinct possibility that the at-fault party may try to blame you for the accident in some way. The pure comparative negligence rule followed by the state allows victims to still recover compensation even if they are 99% at fault for their injuries. However, it will drastically reduce the amount of their settlement.

Whether another driver ran a red light or a third party at your workplace was negligent, you should not be stuck paying out of pocket to treat these serious injuries or suffer the fallout of lost income. Depending on your injuries and damages, you can recover your medical bills, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of future earnings, among other types of financial losses.

Seeking compensation can be difficult without a chest injury lawyer in Washington State. Here is what you can expect during the legal process for this type of claim:

Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation

When you have endured chest injuries in a car accident or in another way, you should contact an accident injury attorney in Washington to discuss your legal options. These lawyers usually offer a free initial consultation where they will evaluate your case to determine if negligence was a factor. They will also calculate the full extent of the damages that can be sought in your chest injury claim.

Gather Evidence and File Your Claim

In order to hold the other party accountable for your chest injuries, evidence must be presented as proof. This will require gathering your medical records for all treatments, the police report from the accident, if applicable, witness statements, photos and videos, and expert witness testimony. Your attorney will file this claim and be prepared to halt the usual tactics that insurance companies employ to reduce or deny compensation.

Negotiate a Fair Settlement

With this evidence, it will be used to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. There may be several rounds of negotiations until agreeable terms can be reached.

Trial

A chest injury lawyer in Washington State is a vital advocate who will take over the entire process of your injury claim. They will prepare for trial from the beginning in the event that negotiations do not produce the desired results. It will then be up to a judge and jury in the courtroom.

The Importance of Choosing an Experienced Accident Injury Attorney in Washington

Many injured victims, especially those involved in motor vehicle accidents, try to handle their claims on their own. They don’t realize that the insurance company is adept at minimizing claims, and when a settlement is offered quickly, they may feel a sense of relief. While insurance agents may sound sympathetic, their allegiance is with the insurer. The check you are offered may not include the full extent of your financial losses.

By the time chest injury victims realize this, it’s too late to go back. You should have an attorney on your side from the start to advocate for your best interests. Here is how an accident injury attorney in Washington plays a vital role in these situations:

Legal Expertise

It is essential to understand the relevant laws and statutes that may apply in a particular case. Choosing an experienced attorney with a strong reputation and track record for success is in no way a guarantee you’ll win. However, it does give you a better chance of getting the full and fair amount of compensation that you deserve.

Negotiation Skills

Since lawyers are familiar with the laws, they will be better poised to carry out negotiations on your behalf. Armed with the evidence, especially from expert witnesses, they can work to tip the scales of justice in your favor.

Prioritizing Your Needs

Choose a lawyer who is concerned about putting your needs first. They will be focused on making sure that you are supported throughout the entire process. When you schedule a free initial consultation, it’s not just a chance to find out if you have a valid case. It is the time to determine if this attorney has your best interests at heart and makes you feel supported.

Steps to Take After a Chest Injury

When you are first injured, you may not know exactly what to do next. It is essential to follow the proper steps to protect your health, safety, and legal rights. In the moments following the accident, make sure that the first thing you do is get medical attention.

If you are in a car accident, call the police, and if you are hurt at work or on someone’s property, you should make sure to file a report with management. At this point, you may only know you’ve taken a hit to the chest. Let the paramedics and other medical professionals evaluate you and provide treatment for your injuries.

You should also follow all doctors’ orders for your recovery—missing appointments or failing to see specialists could put your injury claim in jeopardy. The insurance company will argue that your injuries must not be all that serious if you’re not following what the doctors have recommended.

One of the most important things to do after you’ve suffered chest injuries is to gather evidence. However, you may be in too much pain at the time or even rendered unconscious. If you can’t take these steps yourself, you should not hesitate to contact a chest injury lawyer in Washington State to take these actions.

Your attorney will investigate and gather evidence that you were unable to get. They will take on all of the aspects involved in presenting your case, allowing you to focus on healing. If you have recently suffered chest injuries, reach out to Jacobs and Jacobs Injury Law, a reputable Washington State injury law firm. Schedule a free initial consultation with us, and you’ll find our responsive team ready to answer your questions and provide you with your legal options.