Symptoms Of Broken Ribs After An Accident
April 23, 2023 Posted In Car Accidents
Broken ribs are a common injury that can occur after an accident, such as a car crash, sports injury, or a slip and fall. The ribs are fragile bones that protect the chest and vital organs, and can easily break when exposed to forceful trauma. If you suspect you have broken ribs after an accident, it is critical to seek medical attention immediately. Here are some common symptoms of broken ribs to be aware of.
How Can You Get Broken Ribs From an Accident?
Broken ribs occur when a sudden force overwhelms the rib cage’s ability to absorb impact. The ribs protect the heart and lungs, but they are relatively thin bones that can fracture when compressed, twisted, or struck with enough force.
Car Accidents
During a car accident, rapid deceleration causes the body to move forward while restraints stop it abruptly. This force compresses the rib cage, causing the ribs to bend beyond their natural flexibility and crack or break.
Side-impact collisions often cause ribs to fracture when the chest strikes the door, window, or interior frame of the vehicle. Rollover accidents increase injury risk because the body may be thrown against multiple surfaces, creating repeated impacts to the chest area.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents
In pedestrian and bicycle accidents, direct contact with a vehicle often concentrates force on the torso. The ribs may fracture when the chest strikes the hood, windshield, or ground.
Slip and Falls
Falls frequently cause broken ribs due to sudden twisting or when a person lands on their side or chest, forcing the rib cage inward.
Older adults and individuals with reduced bone density face a higher risk because their ribs break more easily under lower levels of force.
Symptoms of Broken Ribs
Pain When Breathing Deeply or Coughing
This is one of the most common symptoms of broken ribs. The pain may be sharp and intense, and it can worsen when you cough or take deep breaths. This is because the movement of the ribcage can cause the broken bones to rub against each other, causing pain.
Pain in the Chest or Back
Broken ribs can cause pain in the chest or back, depending on which ribs are broken. The pain may be localized to one area, or radiate across the chest or back.
Tenderness or Swelling
You may notice tenderness or swelling around the area where the ribs are broken. In addition, the skin may be bruised or discolored, and you may feel a lump or bump under the skin.
Difficulty Breathing
Broken ribs can cause severe pain when breathing. Therefore, you may find it challenging to take a deep breath. This can lead to shortness of breath or a feeling of tightness in the chest.
Crepitus
Crepitus is a cracking or popping sound that can occur when you move the affected area. For example, if you have broken ribs, you may hear a crunching or popping sound when you move your chest or back.
Abdominal Pain
Broken ribs can sometimes cause pain in the abdomen, as they can press against internal organs. This can lead to abdominal pain or discomfort.
Potential Complications of Broken Ribs
Although many rib fractures heal without surgery, complications can arise depending on the severity of the injury and the number of ribs involved. Potential complications include:
Pneumothorax
When a broken rib punctures the lung, air can leak into the space between the lung and chest wall, causing a collapsed lung or pneumothorax.
Hemothorax
A broken rib can also cause bleeding into the space between the lung and chest wall, leading to chest pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms, and may require emergency treatment.
Pulmonary Contusion
When a rib breaks, it can cause a bruise or contusion on the lung tissue. This can increase the risk of developing pneumonia or other respiratory infections.
Aortic Injury
If one of the first three ribs at the top of the rib cage break, the sharp end can pierce a major blood vessel, including the aorta.
Pneumonia caused by shallow breathing
Lung collapse due to puncture from fractured bone
Internal bleeding within the chest cavity
Damage to organs such as the lungs, liver, or spleen
Prolonged pain that delays recovery
Chronic breathing or mobility issues in severe cases
Multiple rib fractures significantly increase the risk of serious complications and often require close medical monitoring.
Who May Be Liable for Broken Rib Injuries?
Liability for broken rib injuries depends on who caused the accident. Under California law, any party whose negligence led to the injury may be held responsible. Common potentially liable parties include:
- Negligent drivers in car, truck, pedestrian, or bicycle accidents.
- Property owners who fail to correct unsafe conditions in slip and fall cases.
- Employers who do not follow workplace safety rules.
- Third parties whose careless actions contributed to the accident.
California’s comparative fault system allows more than one party to share liability. Additionally, even if the injured person bears some responsibility, they may still recover compensation reduced by their percentage of fault.
Compensation for Treatment and Recovery
Broken rib injuries often lead to significant medical expenses and extended recovery time. When another party causes the accident, California law allows injured individuals to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. Compensation may include:
- Emergency medical care and hospital treatment
- Diagnostic imaging and follow-up appointments
- Pain management and prescription medication
- Physical limitations affecting work and daily activities
- Lost income during recovery
- Ongoing complications or future medical care
- Physical pain and emotional distress
The effects of broken ribs often extend beyond initial treatment, which makes thorough medical records essential when assessing treatment costs, recovery time, and the amount of compensation you need.
What to Do if You Think You Have Broken Ribs After an Accident
If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above after an accident, do not hesitate to seek help from a healthcare provider as soon as possible. A doctor can perform a physical exam, take X-rays or other imaging tests, and provide you with pain relief and other treatments to help you recover. In some cases, you may need to wear a chest brace or undergo surgery to repair the broken ribs. With proper treatment, most people are able to recover from broken ribs and return to their normal activities in a few weeks to several months.
If your accident was preventable and caused due to another party’s negligence, consider consulting a Riverside car accident lawyer. They can help you recover the compensation you need and deserve for your losses.