If you suffered fractured ribs after a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain, as well as your accident-related medical expenses.
Chest injuries, particularly bruised or fractured ribs, are common in car accidents. While ribs usually heal without medical intervention, rib injuries can be painful and make breathing or coughing uncomfortable. If you suffered fractured ribs after a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain, as well as your accident-related medical expenses. Here is a quick overview of what you can expect with rib injuries from a car accident.
Without an evaluation or diagnosis from a medical professional, it can be difficult to determine whether your ribs are fractured or simply bruised. Chest pain, difficulty breathing, visible bruising, and painful coughing or sneezing can indicate both fractures and contusions. However, when ribs are broken, the pain is often much sharper and may worsen when you bend or twist your upper body.
In some circumstances, rib injuries can be life-threatening. If you experience any of these symptoms following a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention for a proper diagnosis to ensure appropriate treatment and to avoid further injury or subsequent illness.
While many rib injuries heal on their own, they can be quite painful in the meantime and may yield long-term consequences. Rib fractures can lead to collapsed lungs, a serious medical condition that can make breathing difficult. Because they can cause further internal injury, broken ribs often require surgical intervention, particularly if more than one rib is broken or other internal organs have been damaged.
For less severe injuries, like bruising, you will likely be treated with OTC pain medication, ice, rest, and a period of restricted activity.
The force of a car colliding with another vehicle or stationary object can result in blunt trauma to the chest, resulting in broken ribs and other injuries. Whether from the impact of the steering wheel, dash, or just the force of the seatbelt securing the rider safely in the seat, car accidents cause broken ribs through impact, force, or other collision.
Yes, if you are injured in a car accident, you may file a lawsuit against the responsible party to recover accident-related medical expenses, lost wages, and even compensation for pain and suffering. The circumstances surrounding the accident, nature of your injuries, treatment, and what kind of insurance you carry will factor into the outcome of your case.
If you were injured in a car accident, there are certain time limitations to file a case. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney immediately to discuss your options. With an attorney to advocate for your interests, you can focus on healing while your attorney fights to recover the compensation you deserve.
