Dealing With A Fractured Sternum After A Car Accident
When a vehicle collides with another or with some other obstacle, the forces that are thrust on the driver and passengers can be quite violent and lead to very serious injuries. One type of these serious injuries is a sternum fracture. Your sternum, also referred to as the breastbone, is a bone located in the middle of your chest which serves to protect many of your vital organs such as your lungs and heart. When injured, it can lead to prolonged recovery periods and require significant medical treatment.
If you have been seriously injured in a car accident resulting in a sternum fracture injury we invite you to reach out to our team. At the Law Offices of Rodemer Kane we want to do all we can to help you through this difficult time, and we have the knowledge and experience with personal injury claims to get you the compensation you need to help cover the costs of your medical treatment. Contact our Colorado Springs law office online or call 719-635-7886 to book a free case consultation.
What Causes A Fractured Sternum Injury?
According to the National Library of Medicine, sternal fractures occur in about 3%-6.8% of motor vehicle collisions. Sternum fractures are typically caused by blunt chest trauma like that which is caused by getting slammed against your seat belt, which locks in the event of an accident to protect you. Fractured sternums can also be caused by the steering wheel, part of the vehicle if it gets crushed in a specific way in the accident, or by debris getting thrown around the cabin of the vehicle during the crash. In some cases, if a person needs CPR after they have been in a car accident, it is also possible for them to sustain a fractured sternum due to the nature of force necessary to complete chest compressions.
To determine if you have sustained a broken sternum in a car accident, you will need to be evaluated by a medical professional, typically needing a lateral chest X-ray or CT scan of the chest. Because of the placement of the sternum, there aren’t many treatment options, for example, it can’t be casted. A person needs to rest and take it easy at the bones slowly heal. In some cases, if the fracture is severe and the bone has been shattered, or the pieces don’t line up, surgery could be necessary to repair the damage.
Sternum fracture injuries can significantly impact a victim’s daily life. The pain and discomfort associated with these types of injuries often limits mobility, and keeps them from being able to work, do daily tasks, or participate in hobbies and other pastimes they once enjoyed.
Common Symptoms of a Fractured Sternum
If you have been in a car accident you may not realize that you have sustained a sternum fracture right away as the symptoms of it are sometimes not as acute as a more obvious injury like a broken wrist or ankle. There are a number of symptoms to watch out for, including:
- Acute pain in the center of the chest
- Increased pain with movement, coughing, sneezing, or laughing
- Difficulty moving or twisting
- Achy feeling or tenderness of the injury site
- Bruising
- Difficulty Breathing
In very serious cases, you might be able to see the sternum bone protruding from the injury site. If you have any of the above symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention to get proper treatment for your injuries.
Average Sternum Fracture Settlement Amount in Colorado
If you have sustained a broken sternum in an accident caused by someone else, you might be wondering how much a fractured sternum settlement is worth in Colorado? It is important to understand that these types of claims can be very complex to pursue. If you look online, you will see that a fractured sternum injury case is worth anywhere from $70,000 to $1,200,000. That is a very large range and there are a number of factors that will come into play when determining the actual amount for your broken sternum case. No two cases are the same, which is why it is best to speak with an experienced Colorado car accident attorney as soon as possible after your accident.
How To Calculate A Fractured Sternum Injury Settlement
If you have suffered a fractured sternum in a car accident that was caused due to the negligence of someone else there will be a number of things that are looked at when trying to calculate a settlement figure, some of these things include:
- Severity of the Injuries
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
- Insurance Limits
Contact a Fractured Sternum Car Accident Attorney Near You in Colorado
Sternum fractures are slow healing injuries that can have a big impact on your ability to work or even complete day-to-day tasks. Understanding the factors that will contribute to your broken sternum settlement after you’ve been in a car accident is important if you are seeking compensation. With the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer, you can navigate the complexities of the legal system and work towards obtaining a fair settlement that addresses your medical expenses, lost wages, and the overall impact of the injury on their well-being. If you live in or near Colorado Springs, CO and have suffered a fractured sternum in a car accident, we invite you to reach out to the team here at the Law Offices of Rodemer Kane. We are here to help. Contact us online or call us at 719-635-7886 to set up a free consultation.
Also see our other articles on serious car accident injuries such as amputations, or herniated disc.