Broken ribs can lead to serious complications
Car accidents can be serious events – no matter how minor they may seem on the outside. It is just as easy for someone to suffer serious injuries in a low-speed crash as it is in a high-speed crash. Of course, various details can play roles in the outcomes of a car accident.
Immediately after a crash, the adrenaline of the situation may prevent you from noticing all of your injuries right away. After some time has passed, however, you may begin to detect tenderness around your ribs. It is important to get a medical examination right away, even if you think it may just be a bruise.
Broken ribs and complications
Some people may not think of broken or fractured ribs as a serious injury because they are not put into a cast to heal, as other broken bones are. However, broken ribs can range in severity and, in some cases, cause serious complications.
A cracked rib can cause pain and difficulty breathing. In addition, jagged edges or broken shards of bone can puncture your lungs, tear primary blood vessels or pierce major abdominal organs, such as your liver. Such injuries can be life threatening.
Effects of broken ribs
If you experience any of the serious injuries discussed above, you may need extensive medical treatment and considerable time to recover. Regular, everyday functions may also be more challenging for you – such as breathing or moving your body easily.
Unfortunately, any of these issues may mean that you cannot go to work or participate in regular activities that you enjoy. If the injuries are severe enough, you may have lasting effects that disrupt your life for years to come.
Seeking compensation
If another driver caused the accident that resulted in a traumatic rib injury, it’s worth remembering that you have legal options for seeking compensation. A personal injury claim could allow you to pursue monetary restitution for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages permitted under the law. To fully understand your available options, you may wish to speak with an experienced lawyer.
It’s also important to remember that Tennessee law makes it affordable for any accident victim to get legal help when seeking justice. Most personal injury lawyers work on what’s known as a “contingency fee basis,” meaning that they only get paid if you win your case – and their payment is a percentage of your settlement.
Following any car accident, it’s always worth getting a thorough medical evaluation to assess your injuries. After that, consulting with an attorney can help you understand your options for seeking justice.