Filing a Car Accident Claim after Broken Ribs from the Accident

One type of injury that accident victims might suffer is broken ribs. This typically happens because of significant trauma to the chest, such as striking the steering wheel or dashboard in an accident. Bruised or cracked ribs can be very painful, and injuries may be much more serious in cases of broken ribs.

Complications of Broken Ribs Resulting from a Car Accident

Because of where the ribs are located, a fractured rib could cause damage to internal organs in severe cases such as the lungs, trachea or heart. Major blood vessels could also be pierced or punctured. Typically, a fractured rib will heal on its own, which can take a couple of months. But additional treatment may be necessary for other internal damage related to the injury.

If a lung is punctured, it could collapse. Or there could be complications stemming from laceration of the kidneys, spleen or liver. Complications can be very serious if the aorta is punctured, causing it to rupture. Surgery may be necessary to stop bleeding and repair a damaged blood vessel or organ.

Types of Damages That May Be Recoverable

Claimants can seek the medical and hospital costs related to broken ribs if someone else was at fault for the car accident. This may include treatment received at the scene or an emergency room. If surgery was necessary, those costs, along with hospitalization might also be available.

Broken ribs may be managed with pain medication, expenses for which may be compensable as well. Further, during recovery the individual might have to refrain from making certain movements, which could impact his/her ability to work and even perform daily tasks.

Any missed time from work should also be addressed. For some people, it could be several weeks or even longer. The loss of earnings is an important consideration in a car accident claim.

Because of the significant amount of pain and the potential for complications when there is internal damage, broken ribs might also lead to recovery of damages that address pain and suffering or other noneconomic damages.

Advantages of Seeking Legal Advice

These types of injuries generally happen when the collision was severe, such as a head-on crash or getting T-boned by another vehicle. Anytime there is significant physical harm, it’s a good idea to contact an attorney and learn if there is cause to file an insurance claim or take other legal action, and if there is enough evidence to show the other driver was at fault for the accident and resultant damages.

It’s also important to fully understand one’s right to damages and the types of compensation that victims may seek. An attorney understands the financial, emotional and physical implications of a serious accident and will ensure all are appropriately addressed in the claim. Additionally, an attorney can help gather evidence necessary to show fault and build a strong case.

Set up your consultation with D.J. Banovitz after a serious car accident in Denver. Call 303-300-5060 or set up a consultation by contacting us online.

D.J. Banovitz’ career has always concentrated on trial practice and he has litigated hundreds of cases. His passion and sole career focus has been to seek justice for people suffering from personal injuries as the result of someone else’s negligence. The hallmark of the Law Office of D.J. Banovitz, is the total commitment to professionalism, quality, and personalized care of your injury case. D.J. has dedicated his professional life to helping those most in need and is a proud and active member of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association. His experience includes volunteering for Colorado Rural Legal Services in Montrose, the Colorado Aids Project, consumer law, family law, criminal defense, and Alternative Defense Counsel for juveniles in Denver.