The ribs are vital protectors of our most delicate organs. They serve as a formidable shield for the heart and lungs. When a rib fracture occurs, this protective barrier is compromised.
Fractured ribs are excruciatingly painful. They can also lead to serious internal complications and, in severe cases, even prove fatal. Rib fractures can affect individuals of all ages, from young children to older adults. However, the impact is typically more severe in older people due to their increased bone fragility. Our Rhode Island car accident lawyer explains more below.
Table of Contents
What Are Fractured Ribs?
A rib fracture occurs when a bone in the ribcage is cracked or broken. A break in the thick tissue connecting each rib to the breastbone may also be considered a fractured rib, even if the bone remains intact.
Various factors can lead to rib fractures, and the extent of the injury depends on the severity of the incident. While approximately 12 percent of rib fractures involve only a single broken bone, it is more common for a patient to sustain multiple fractured ribs in a single traumatic event.
The greater the number of fractured ribs in one incident, the higher the risk of encountering complications later on. There is even a potential for fatal outcomes. Studies have shown that among the hundreds of patients with fractured ribs, over 10 percent succumb to their injuries, typically within the initial 24 hours following the trauma.
Car Accidents Are a Common Cause of Rib Fractures
Fractured ribs primarily stem from direct chest trauma, which can occur in various situations and activities. However, one of the most common causes of rib fractures is car accidents.
The force generated during a car crash can cause the vehicle's occupants to experience sudden and severe impacts, leading to the compression and flexion of the chest. Such traumatic events can result in the ribs being subjected to immense pressure, leading to fractures.
Rib fractures in car accidents typically occur due to the combination of seat belt restraints and the rapid deceleration of the vehicle. When the car abruptly comes to a halt, the seat belt can restrain the torso while the body's forward momentum can exert pressure on the chest, causing the ribs to break.
Additionally, the steering wheel, airbags, and other vehicle components can contribute to rib fractures during a collision. The forceful impact of the chest against the steering wheel or the deployment of airbags can further exacerbate the risk of rib injuries.
Treating Rib Fractures Resulting From A Car Accident
The approach to treating broken ribs can vary from person to person, depending on the severity of the injury. Given the chest cavity's mobility and the necessity for it to expand during breathing, the most effective treatment for fractured ribs often involves rest and time.
Supportive care stands as the standard treatment for the majority of rib fractures. This approach focuses on alleviating the injury's symptoms rather than directly healing the broken bones. Supportive care is particularly suitable for rib fractures because, unlike other types of broken bones that can be immobilized with a cast to facilitate healing, the chest wall must remain mobile to allow the injured person to breathe.
Effective pain management is critical in these instances, as excessive pain can potentially lead to respiratory depression. Respiratory depression involves slower and shallower breathing than usual, which can result in an accumulation of carbon dioxide in the body and further health complications. By addressing and mitigating chest pain, patients can find relief and take more comfortable, deeper breaths, leading to a smoother recovery process.
Don't Delay Medical Care for a Fractured Rib
If you suspect you have sustained a rib fracture as a result of a car accident caused by someone else, it is vital to seek medical attention promptly. Seeking treatment is essential at the earliest sign of discomfort or following any traumatic incident. Rib fractures can lead to severe pain, difficulty in breathing, and potential complications such as punctured lungs or damage to nearby organs.
Recovering Compensation for Rib Fracture Injuries From A Car Accident
When you've endured a rib fracture due to someone else's negligence, seeking compensation becomes essential.
Rib fractures can lead to significant medical expenses, pain, suffering, and lost income. To recover the compensation you deserve, it's essential to consult with a personal injury attorney. We can help you build a strong case, gather evidence, and navigate the legal process to protect your rights.
