Internal organ damage occurs when one or more organs inside the body become injured due to disease, physical trauma, or other causes.
This guide provides an in-depth look at what internal organ damage entails, its causes and symptoms, how it is diagnosed and treated, what the legal considerations are, and how to manage internal organ damage resulting from negligence.
Internal Organ Damage and Want To Sue?
Schedule your free consultation today
What is Internal Organ Damage?
Internal organ damage refers to any injury, tearing, bruising, or other form of harm done to organs located inside the body. This includes vital organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, spleen, gastrointestinal tract, reproductive organs, and more.
Each organ in the body has a specific role and function. When these organs sustain damage, it interferes with their structure and impairs normal function. The extent of organ damage can range from mild impairment to severe, life-threatening injury.
It is important to distinguish organ damage from organ failure. Organ failure is when the organ stops functioning entirely and is unable to carry out its role in the body. Damage reduces function but does not lead to a complete shutdown.
Causes of Internal Organ Damage
There are several potential causes of internal organ damage:
- Traumatic injury - Blunt force or penetrating trauma to the body can bruise, tear, or destroy organs. There are different causes of traumatic injuries, like gunshots, stabbings, and physical assault. According to a report by the NIH, motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of blunt abdominal trauma, which can also lead to organ damage.
- Medical conditions - Diseases that affect the organs directly can impair their structure and function over time.
- Surgical complications - Surgical errors and other procedure-related problems can sometimes lead to inadvertent damage to nearby organs.
- Medication side effects - Certain drugs, such as chemotherapy, can be toxic to organs like the kidneys, liver, or heart. Long-term use of medications like painkillers also carries risks.
- Substance abuse - Long-term alcohol or drug abuse can inflame and deteriorate organs. The liver is especially vulnerable to alcohol-induced injury.
- Radiation exposure - High doses of ionizing radiation can burn and scar organs. Cancer radiation therapy aims to target tumors but can also affect surrounding healthy tissue.
- Poor nutrition - Deficiencies and imbalances in the diet negatively impact organ health over time. Toxins and unhealthy fats contribute to liver and heart disease.
The path to organ damage varies based on the individual cause and organs affected. But early intervention, lifestyle improvements, and proper management of any underlying illnesses can help prevent permanent damage.
Symptoms and Early Detection
The symptoms associated with internal organ damage often depend on the particular organ affected, the severity of the damage, and the individual's own pain tolerance. Some common symptoms include:
- Severe or chronic pain in the region near the affected organ
- Abdominal bloating, nausea, and vomiting
- Blood in urine or stool
- Dark urine color
- Skin discoloration, such as yellowing eyes and skin (jaundice),
- Unexplained weight loss and reduced appetite
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Irregular heartbeat or sudden changes in heart rate
- Generalized fatigue, weakness and malaise
Since organ damage arises from various causes, it is important to be aware of risk factors and any unexplained symptoms. Seeking prompt medical care can lead to earlier detection and prevent complications. Anyone with a known high-risk condition, such as hepatitis, should have regular checkups to monitor for organ abnormalities.
Diagnosis and Medical Assessment
If organ damage is suspected based on risk factors and symptoms, the doctor will perform various diagnostic tests and procedures to assess the damage. These include:
- Medical history - Thorough questioning about symptoms, family history, risk factors, and anything that could point to potential organ damage.
- Physical exam - A clinical exam checking vitals, listening to heart and lungs, and palpating the abdomen to feel for tenderness and organ enlargement.
- Blood tests - blood chemistry analyses help identify organ problems based on elevated levels of certain enzymes, proteins, and metabolic byproducts. For instance, high liver enzymes signify liver injury.
- Urinalysis - Microscopic examination of the urine sediment can detect organ abnormalities. Blood or excess protein in the urine points to kidney issues.
- Medical imaging - CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, and X-rays allow visual assessment of organ structure and function. This is key for identifying damage.
- Biopsies - removal of small tissue samples for laboratory analysis—may be done to evaluate cell-level damage.
These assessments are vital so that you can easily determine the cause of your organ damage and what treatments are available. If a doctor fails to perform the proper assessment, which causes a misdiagnosis, false diagnosis, or delayed diagnosis, that may constitute medical negligence.
Treatment Options
Treating internal organ damage focuses on stabilizing the patient, stopping further damage, and supporting the body's natural healing ability. Treatment options include:
- Hospitalization
- Medications
- Dialysis
- Surgery
- Organ transplant
- Lifestyle changes
Legal Aspects of Organ Damage
Organ damage that results from medical error, negligence, or improper actions by another party may warrant an investigation into your legal rights and options. It is advisable to consult a personal injury attorney if the damage resulted from:
- Surgical malpractice or mistake during a medical procedure
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis that worsens the outcome
- Car accident injuries
- Exposure to hazardous materials
- Defective medication side effects
- Physical assault or violence
The personal injury attorney conducts an in-depth review of the circumstances surrounding the organ damage to determine if you have grounds for a personal injury claim. This claim seeks compensation for damages, which may include:
- Medical expenses, both current and projected future costs
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disability and disfigurement
- Caregiver fees
- Other costs stemming from the organ damage
An experienced lawyer at the Porter Law Group can help you navigate the complex legal process, negotiate a fair settlement, and take the matter to court if needed.
Are You a Victim of Negligence That Resulted in Internal Organ Damage?
Internal organ damage poses substantial health risks if left unchecked. Understanding the various causes, getting screened for early warning signs, and pursuing prompt treatment are all vital to restoring organ structure and function.If you believe that another party has caused your internal organ damage, get in touch with the Porter Law Group to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation. Call us at 833-PORTER9 or send us a message at info@porterlawteam.com now.
