Lung Injury Lawyers in St. Louis
Lung injuries are incredibly serious and, in many cases, they can be fatal if the victim does not receive immediate medical attention. Lung injuries are often caused by trauma to the stomach or chest, though they can also result from the use of certain harmful products, such as e-cigarettes, Juuls, and other vaping devices.
If you or your loved one suffered lung injuries in an accident or due to using a defective device, turn to The Dixon Injury Firm for the aggressive legal representation you need. Our St. Louis lung injury lawyers understand the complexities involved in these types of cases; we know how to conduct exhaustive investigations in order to determine the cause of your injuries and who is liable—and we know how to hold that liable person or party accountable. Our experienced attorneys have successfully recovered more than $50 million for our clients, and we are ready to help you seek the maximum recovery you are owed for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Give us a call at (314) 208-2808 or contact us online today to schedule a free initial consultation. We are available 24/7 to assist you.
Common Types of Lung Injuries
Lung injuries often occur alongside other catastrophic injuries, such as broken ribs or spinal cord injuries. However, they can also occur independently as a result of direct trauma or damage to the lung. In any case, all lung injuries should be treated immediately by a qualified medical professional.
Common types of lung injuries include:
- Collapsed lungs (pneumothorax)
- Pulmonary lung contusions (bruising)
- Punctured lungs
- Aspiration
- Drowning-related lung injuries
- Smoke inhalation
- Infection/sepsis
- Pleural mesothelioma
- Blood accumulation between the lungs and chest wall (hemothorax)
Treating lung injuries can be extremely costly and may require extensive, ongoing care. If you developed lung disease as a result of being exposed to harmful, toxic, or dangerous substances, you could be facing a lifetime of treatment. At The Dixon Injury Firm, we believe that you shouldn’t have to face the consequences of someone else’s negligence on your own. Our St. Louis lung injury lawyers can help you take action against the liable party and fight to recover fair compensation for your damages.
E-Cigarette Lung Damage Claims
The recent surge of e-cigarette lung damage reports have mostly involved teenagers and young adults under the age of 25. According to a study by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, while there isn’t long-term evidence of the effects of vaping in adults, there’s substantial evidence that vaping causes irreversible lung damage in youth. The symptoms of e-cigarette lung damage include:
- Trouble breathing
- Severe nausea and vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
- Blurred vision
- Chest or heart pain
- Extreme fatigue
- Severe, chronic coughing fits
If you have suffered lung damage from e-liquid chemicals, you need to document symptoms, such as trouble breathing, coughing, wheezing, nausea, and vomiting, and get immediate medical treatment. Medical reports can confirm that lung damage is linked to vaping, and is compelling evidence for your e-cigarette lung damage claim in St. Louis.
Contact Us Today
Lung injuries and illnesses are incredibly painful and challenging to overcome, but the first step in your recovery is reaching out to an attorney who knows how to help. Get in touch with The Dixon Injury Firm as soon as possible to request your free case evaluation and consultation. Since 2009, our firm has devoted its entire practice to helping accident and injury victims fight for justice and the fair compensation they were owed.
Lung Diseases Caused by Juul Vapes
Originally marketed as a way to quit smoking, after unconfirmed, but substantial, evidence has surfaced from Juul lung damage victims, Juul’s are under investigation by the FDA. One of the most common lung conditions linked to Juul-use is acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ARDS is fluid buildup in the lungs and is often fatal. Other lung damage issues attributed to Juul vapes include:
- Collapsed lungs – escaped air surrounding the lung
- Respiratory failure – lack of oxygen in the blood that can severely damage internal organs and cause a victim’s bodily functions to shut down
- Bacterial pneumonia -inflammation of the lungs, often producing excessive fluid buildup and can develop into sepsis, absess, and other severe conditions
- Brain damage – “vape juice” contains harsh, toxic chemicals that can irriate the lungs, cause lack of oxygen in the blood stream, and difficulty breathing which could kill brain cells and cause damage to internal organs
Most Juul lawsuits involve lung damage from vaping, but according to several medical studies, Juul vapes can increase the likelihood of developing heart disease caused by nicotine flavoring liquid, seizures, and heart attacks/strokes.
Signs of a Lung Injury
The signs and symptoms of lung injuries vary widely depending on the type of injury and its severity. However, there are certain symptoms that may indicate you have suffered a lung injury, particularly if you were involved in a traumatic accident or were exposed to a harmful substance.
Some signs you may have sustained a lung injury include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Pain when breathing in or out
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Fast heart rate
- Blue-colored lips or nails
- Persistent cough
- Coughing up blood
It’s important to note that these are not all possible symptoms of a lung injury or lung disease, nor will you necessarily experience all of these symptoms if you have been injured or developed a respiratory condition. However, if you notice any of these or other emergency warning signs of a respiratory injury or illness, call 911 and/or go to the hospital right away.
Filing a Lung Injury Claim
As previously mentioned, the cost of treating a lung injury or illness can be exorbitant. Many victims find themselves facing unexpected financial hardships on top of the already difficult challenges of recovering from their injuries. If your injury or illness was caused by someone else’s negligent or wrongful conduct, you could be entitled to financial compensation for your damages, whether they are economic or non-economic in nature.
The Dixon Injury Firm can sit down with you to discuss your situation in detail and determine whether you have grounds for a personal injury claim. We do this at no cost to you. Our St. Louis lung injury attorneys have an in-depth understanding of Missouri personal injury laws, as well as a proven record of success. We know how to investigate what happened and determine who is liable. We can help you file your claim with the appropriate insurance provider or other party and, if necessary, will pursue your case at trial.