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If you suffer damage to your sternum due to a car accident, it can cause significant pain. Breaking your sternum can leave you and your family with substantial medical expenses and an inability to work for months.
While your health should be your primary concern after an accident, it's also wise to consider your legal options.
As a personal injury attorney who has worked on several fractured sternum injury cases, I will explain what a fractured sternum might be worth regarding your damages claim.
Quick Summary
- If you have experienced physical and emotional trauma due to a fractured sternum, you may be eligible for financial compensation that can exceed $1,000,000.
- Injuries that hinder your ability to engage in activities that bring you joy—such as sports, hobbies, or social interactions—can lead to additional compensation for loss of quality of life. Settlements for such claims typically range from $50,000 to $500,000, depending on the extent of the impact on your daily living.
- Compensation for lost wages can vary widely but often falls within the range of $30,000 to $300,000 based on the duration of missed work and the nature of your job.
What Is a Fractured Sternum?
A fractured sternum, or breastbone, is a serious injury involving the flat, elongated bone at the center of the chest.
This vital structure connects to the ribs via cartilage and protects critical organs, including the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels.
What Is a Fractured Sternum Worth?
A fractured sternum can be worth between $85,000 to $1,269,936. Depending on the specifics of each case, insurance companies can be notoriously remiss when covering broken rib injuries - particularly those that don't involve any additional traumas.
However, how much compensation a victim can receive depends on their allocated financial limits for paying out the client's personal injury and accident lawsuits.
Types Of Compensation You Can Collect
The types of compensation you can collect are economic and non-economic damages.
Let me explain each in detail.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are simple to prove, as they cover all of the tangible losses a victim suffers from an accident. There is no restriction to the amount you can claim in this category as long as your documentation supports the costs incurred.
Non-Economic Damages
This category covers injuries that are more difficult to quantify monetarily yet nevertheless cause substantial harm and deserve compensation.
This may include:
- Physical Pain and Suffering
- Emotional and psychological trauma
- Loss of quality of life
"Settlements depend greatly on the unique circumstances of each case, so the average payout for a sternum fracture claim varies greatly."
- Erik Abrahamson, Personal Injury Lawyer
4 Types of Damages in a Broken Sternum Injury Case
If you’ve suffered a fractured sternum or rib injury, you may be entitled to compensation for financial losses, medical expenses, and the overall impact on your life.
These are some of the most common types of damages associated with fractured sternum cases:
1. Medical Bills
Compensation for medical costs includes all treatments directly related to the injury, such as:
- Emergency room visits
- Hospital stays
- Surgical procedures
- Rehabilitation and therapy
Settlement Ranges: Typical settlements range from $10,000 to $100,000, with more complex cases exceeding this amount.
Case Example: A 70-year-old woman received $1.5 million after a head-on collision caused a fractured sternum and other injuries.
Factors That Increase Compensation:
- Severity of the injury
- Additional complications like lung damage
Documentation to Provide:
- Itemized medical bills
- Receipts for medical expenses
- Medical records detailing diagnosis and treatments
2. Lost Income
Fractured sternum injuries can make it impossible to work, either temporarily or permanently, entitling you to reimbursement for lost wages.
Settlement Ranges: Lost income settlements typically range from $30,000 to $300,000, depending on how long you’re out of work and whether your earning potential is affected.
Case Example: A man received $85,000, including lost wages, after being unable to work during recovery from a fractured sternum.
Factors That Increase Compensation:
- Length of time off work
- Permanent impact on earning potential
Documentation to Provide:
- Pay stubs or tax returns
- A letter from your employer verifying missed workdays
3. Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering damages are intended to compensate victims for the physical and mental anguish they experience due to their broken ribs or soft tissue injuries.
You can claim compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury.
Settlement Ranges: Compensation for pain and suffering can range from $50,000 to $500,000, depending on the severity of your experience.
Case Example: A client received $250,000 for the lasting pain and limitations caused by a fractured sternum.
Factors That Increase Compensation:
- Intensity and duration of pain
- Emotional and psychological impact
Documentation to Provide:
- Medical records noting pain levels
- Personal journals detailing daily pain and limitations
4. Loss of Quality of Life
If your injury prevents you from enjoying activities you once loved, you may claim damages for diminished quality of life.
Settlement Ranges: Compensation typically ranges from $20,000 to $300,000, depending on the long-term impact.
Case Example: A person who required surgery for a fractured sternum received $425,000, including damages for loss of quality of life.
Factors That Increase Compensation:
- Permanent disability or limitations
- Restrictions on hobbies and daily activities
Documentation to Provide:
- Testimonies from family or friends about lifestyle changes
- Assessments from medical or occupational experts
Understanding the potential damages for fractured sternum injuries is essential for navigating personal injury claims.
With the right documentation and awareness of settlement ranges, you can build a strong case for compensation to cover medical costs, lost income, and the broader impact on your quality of life.
Related Article: Herniated Disc Car Accident Settlement
What Are Factors in a Fractured Sternum Injury Case?
The factors in a fractured sternum injury case include the degree of the fracture, the medical treatment received, and other damages related to the injury.
However, here are some other factors in a fractured sternum claim:
1. Possible Future Surgery Needs
Sternum fractures may cause lasting complications, such as the need for surgical correction if the fractured area hasn't properly healed. In some cases, a plate and screws or sternal wires are required to fix displaced or unstable fractures.
2. Shared Responsibility
Sternum fractures are commonly caused by car accidents due to the impact of striking an airbag, steering wheel, or seatbelt.
Determining fault in car accidents involving sternum fractures is not always straightforward. Insurance companies often complicate the process to reduce their financial responsibility.
Here are the primary challenges victims may face:
- Contributory Negligence: Insurers often investigate whether the victim contributed to their injuries, such as:
- Failing to wear a seatbelt.
- Sitting too close to the steering wheel during the collision.
- Airbag Malfunction Claims: If an airbag fails to deploy, insurance companies may attempt to shift blame to the manufacturer rather than accepting responsibility.
- Multi-Party Accidents: When multiple drivers or insurers are involved, each party may deflect blame, complicating the determination of liability.
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FAQs
What Are The Symptoms Of A Strenum Fracture?
Symptoms of a sternum fracture include rib fractures, chest soreness, discoloration along the breastbone, crunching sounds, catching sensations during movement, swelling around the injury site, breathing pain, and breathlessness.
How Serious Is A Fractured Sternum?
A fractured sternum is a serious injury and can lead to long-term consequences if the victim does not receive proper medical attention. The resulting pain and physical limitations can also significantly impact the individual's quality of life.
Can You Work With A Broken Sternum?
No, you can not work with a broken sternum. Everyday tasks such as getting dressed, cooking meals, and carrying out household activities can become daunting or unbearable experiences due to the pain that you feel.
How Long Does It Take To Heal From A Sternum Fracture?
It can take about 4-6 weeks to heal from a sternum fracture. Despite the normal healing process, it is typical to experience some soreness after this period still. It typically takes 2-4 weeks for bruises to heal completely.
Get An Average Settlement for Fractured Sternum Injuries
After being involved in a serious accident, contacting an experienced car accident attorney is essential.
At Schmidt & Clark, LLP our attorneys are here to assist you and guide you through the process of defending your rights while understanding the complexities behind broken breastplate injury cases.
We want to ensure that victims claim compensation for any fractured ribs, injuries, and sufferings endured during this difficult time - so don't hesitate to contact us today for a free consultation session.
Reference:
- https://www.healthline.com/health/broken-sternum