Common Causes of a Broken Sternum in North Carolina Accidents
What Causes A Broken Sternum In An Accident In North Carolina?
The sternum is a strong, flat bone in the center of your chest that connects to your ribs through cartilage. It acts like a shield, protecting your heart, lungs, and major blood vessels from impact.
This bone is made up of three main parts.
- The top section that connects to your collarbones and the first ribs.
- The longest part, linking to most of your ribs.
- Xiphoid Process. A small, flexible piece at the bottom that serves as a muscle attachment point.
How Does The Sternum Break?
A sternum fracture happens when extreme force is applied to the chest, causing the bone to crack or break completely. Since the sternum is reinforced by the ribcage, it takes a significant amount of impact to fracture it.
Blunt force trauma is the most common cause. When a strong impact hits the chest, the sternum absorbs the shock, but if the force is too great, the bone gives way. In minor cases, this results in a small crack, while in severe cases, the bone can break apart or even shift out of place.
A broken sternum can also lead to secondary injuries. Because it sits so close to vital organs, a severe fracture can puncture the lungs, damage blood vessels or even affect the heart. That’s why chest pain after an accident should never be ignored, delayed treatment can lead to life-threatening complications.
Symptoms
A broken sternum is extremely painful and can make even the smallest movements feel unbearable. Simple actions like breathing, coughing or shifting positions can cause sharp, intense discomfort. If you suspect a sternum fracture, watch out for key warning signs.
Severe chest pain is the most obvious symptom, especially if it worsens with movement or deep breaths. You may also notice swelling and bruising in the center of your chest, along with tenderness when you touch the area. Breathing can become difficult, and in some cases, you might feel short of breath.
Another telltale sign is a grinding or crunching sensation in your chest when you move, caused by the broken bone shifting. Sharp pain when lying down or changing positions is also common. In severe cases, the fracture may cause a visible deformity, indicating that the bone has moved out of place.
Because the sternum is so close to vital organs, any fracture should be treated as a medical emergency. Delaying treatment can lead to serious complications, including punctured lungs, heart injuries, and long-term breathing issues.
Common Causes
There are many ways you can break your sternum, but high-impact accidents are the most common causes.
- Vehicular Accidents. If you are in a car accident, your chest can slam into the steering wheel or dashboard with enough force to fracture your sternum. Even if you are wearing a seatbelt, the impact from a high-speed accident can still be strong enough to break the bone. Airbags help reduce the severity of injuries, but in some cases, the force of deployment can also contribute to chest trauma.
- Motorcycle Accidents. Motorcyclists are at an even greater risk since there is no metal frame to protect them. If you are thrown off your bike and land chest-first on the pavement, the impact can easily fracture your sternum. Direct hits from other vehicles, especially in front-end collisions, can also cause serious chest injuries.
- Pedestrian Accidents. Pedestrians face a similar danger when hit by a vehicle. Since there is nothing to absorb the impact, your chest may take the full force of the collision. In some cases, you may be thrown onto the hood or windshield, increasing the risk of a sternum fracture. Without any protective gear or restraints, these injuries are often severe.
- Falls And Workplace Accidents. Falls and workplace accidents can also lead to sternum fractures. If you fall from a significant height and land on your chest, the force can be enough to break the bone. This is common in construction sites, ladder falls, and extreme sports. In some work environments, being struck by a heavy object in the chest can also cause serious fractures.
Treatment Options
If you think you have fractured your sternum, do not wait. Get medical help right away. Since your sternum is so close to vital organs, doctors will likely run X-rays, CT scans or MRIs to assess the damage and check for internal injuries. Ignoring the pain or delaying treatment could lead to serious complications, so it is important to take action as soon as possible.
For minor fractures, your treatment will focus on pain management and rest. Your doctor may prescribe painkillers or anti-inflammatory medication to help with the discomfort. You will need to avoid heavy lifting and any strenuous activity for several weeks to give your sternum time to heal. Since even breathing can be painful, you may also be given deep-breathing exercises to prevent lung infections caused by shallow breathing.
If your fracture is severe, especially if the bone is out of place or pressing on internal organs, you may need surgery. In that case, doctors will use plates and screws to stabilize the sternum and prevent further damage. Without proper treatment, an unstable fracture could lead to long-term pain and breathing issues, so surgery is sometimes the best option.
Recovery time depends on how bad the fracture is, but in most cases, you will need at least six to eight weeks before you can get back to normal activities. If your injury affects your mobility, physical therapy may be necessary to help you regain strength. Following your doctor’s advice is key to a full recovery and avoiding future complications.
Seeking Compensation
If someone else’s negligence caused your sternum fracture, like a reckless driver, you may be able to file a personal injury claim to recover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
A broken sternum can lead to expensive treatments, time off work, and long-term pain. Filing a claim against the responsible party can help cover hospital bills, surgery, medications, and physical therapy. You may also be compensated for lost wages if your injury prevents you from working, as well as the distress caused by the accident. If your car or motorcycle was involved, you can seek compensation for property damage.
North Carolina follows a contributory negligence rule. If you are found even one percent at fault, you cannot receive compensation. Insurance companies use this to deny claims, so it is crucial to have solid evidence proving the other party’s negligence.
Hiring a personal injury lawyer can make a huge difference. An attorney can gather accident reports, medical records, negotiate with insurance companies, and build a strong case to prove liability. With legal support, you can fight for the compensation you deserve.
Are You Suffering From A Broken Sternum?
If you or a loved one has been severely injured, don’t delay – call (800) 529-0804 right now for a free consultation with an expert car accident lawyer. When dealing with a stressful situation, you need a knowledgeable personal injury team to guide you through the recovery process. Contact Tatum & Atkinson, PLLC right away! There is no obligation, and it will not cost you anything to learn about your legal possibilities for pursuing compensation.
CALL THE HEAVY HITTERS AT 1-800-LAW-0804 TODAY!
