Injuries to the heart or lungs are very serious, generally requiring long-term medical treatment. The heart can be damaged by puncture or by trauma, which is a fairly common occurrence, particularly when an unrestrained driver is thrown hard against a steering-wheel column in a collision. Such a trauma can seriously bruise or even permanently damage the organ. Lung diseases can be caused by many factors, including occupational and environmental exposures, some pharmaceuticals, and radiation. Pulmonary (PUL-mon-air-ee) fibrosis (fye-BROH-sis) is a condition in which the tissue in the lungs is scarred beyond repair. Several occupations have been determined as being high-risk with regard to pulmonary fibrosis. These include mining, agricultural work, or any occupation in which workers are exposed to asbestos or metal dust. Certain pharmaceuticals have the unfortunate side effect of causing pulmonary fibrosis. Fibrosis can sometimes be treated, or at least the symptoms alleviated, by using oxygen. In some cases, a lung transplant is recommended. In addition to seeking immediate medical treatment, victims of injuries to the heart or the lungs should contact an attorney to determine whether there is justification for a workers' compensation or other type of claim.
