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Blunt Force Trauma & Kidney Injuries: Signs, Treatment, and Legal Action

By Grant Law Office on June 5, 2025

When people think of injuries from a car accident or fall, they probably imagine broken bones or visible wounds. But not all injuries are apparent on the surface. In fact, one of the most serious and often overlooked consequences of blunt trauma is internal organ damage.

Whether from a crash, fall, or direct blow, blunt force kidney injury could lead to long-term health consequences that require costly medical treatment.

How Kidney Injuries Happen After Accidents

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located in the back of the abdominal cavity, partially shielded by the lower ribs. They play a crucial role in filtering waste from the blood and balancing fluids in the body.

Because of their location, kidneys are vulnerable to blunt force trauma, meaning the impact that doesn’t break the skin but can cause internal damage.

Common causes of blunt force kidney injury include:

• Car accidents (particularly from seatbelt compression or side impacts)
• Falls from height
• Physical assaults or sports injuries
• Being struck by heavy objects on construction sites or industrial jobs

Symptoms of Kidney Trauma

Because kidney injuries are internal, they may not be apparent right away and could be mistaken for general soreness after a collision. But time is critical, as delayed diagnosis can lead to serious complications such as kidney failure.

Signs of a potential kidney injury include:

• Flank pain (pain on one or both sides of your lower back)
• Abdominal swelling or bruising
• Blood in the urine (even microscopic amounts)
• Dizziness or fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Decreased urine output
• Signs of internal bleeding (rapid heartbeat, pale skin, confusion)

If you experience any of these symptoms after a crash, fall, or heavy impact, seek medical attention immediately. Imaging tests like CT scans or ultrasounds can confirm internal injuries and guide proper treatment.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Kidney Injuries

Given the importance of a well-functioning kidney, any damage can have long-term effects on a person’s quality of life. When doctors suspect organ damage, the first step is diagnostic imaging. CT scans can detect bleeding, lacerations, or ruptures.

Kidney injuries are typically classified by severity from Grade I (minor bruising) to Grade V (shattered kidney or severed blood supply). Chronic kidney disease, hypertension, or a lifelong need for monitoring are possible outcomes.

Treatment options depend on the grade:

• Minor injuries may heal with rest, hydration, and observation.
• Moderate injuries might require a hospital stay and close monitoring.
• Severe injuries could demand surgery or even removal of the kidney (nephrectomy).
• If internal bleeding is present, emergency surgery may be required to stop hemorrhaging and save the patient’s life.

Pursuing Compensation for Organ Damage

If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence—such as a reckless driver, a negligent property owner, or an employer who failed to maintain safe conditions—you may be entitled to file a Georgia accident medical claim for damages. These claims cover a range of losses, including:

• Medical bills and future healthcare needs
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent disability or organ loss

An Atlanta personal injury claim involving organ damage can be more complex than a typical soft-tissue injury case because the injury may not be visible, and the effects may take time to fully understand. This makes documenting your injuries and getting the right legal support even more critical.

How to Protect Your Personal Injury Claim

1. Get prompt medical attention. Waiting too long can give insurance companies grounds to deny the seriousness of your injury.
2. Document everything. Take note of all symptoms, treatment visits, diagnoses, and how your daily life is affected.
3. Preserve evidence. If it was a car accident, photograph the vehicle damage and the accident scene. If it was a fall, get images of the hazard.
4. Avoid giving statements. Insurance adjusters may try to get you to downplay your injuries. Don’t provide recorded statements without legal guidance.
5. Contact an Atlanta personal injury attorney. These cases often hinge on expert testimony, medical evidence, and proving the long-term impact of the injury. The right attorney can help you build a strong, evidence-backed claim.

Understanding Organ Injury Settlements

Kidney injuries can command significant compensation because they often result in long-term health issues and require ongoing care. Still, the value of an organ injury settlement varies depending on the extent of the damage, the impact on your life, and the liability of the other party.

Factors influencing your settlement might include:

• The necessity of surgery or hospitalization
• Long-term health complications or dialysis
• Missed work or inability to return to your job
• Permanent loss of a kidney
• Emotional distress or lifestyle changes

Why Legal Representation Matters

Insurance companies are known to undervalue internal injury claims, especially when outward signs of trauma are absent. But we know how devastating blunt force kidney injury can be—and we’ve handled these cases before.

At Grant Law Office, we’re not afraid to challenge insurance companies or take a case to trial when needed. We understand that no two injury claims are the same. That’s why we work closely with medical professionals, financial experts, and investigators to ensure your losses are fully understood and reflected in your compensation.

Speak With an Experience Blunt Force Trauma Injury Lawyer in Atlanta

If you or a loved one suffered a kidney injury or any type of blunt force trauma, you could be facing astronomical medical costs and additional expenses such as lost wages. Our Husband and Wife legal team at Grant Law Office will review your case and go over your legal options for pursuing the compensation you need.

Wayne Grant has been selected as one of The Best Lawyers in America for Personal Injury Litigation by Best Lawyers, and he’s proud to be named among the top 5 percent of attorneys in Georgia by Super Lawyers.

Call (404) 995-3955  to schedule a free consultation with an Atlanta internal organ damage attorney today.