Illustration of the anatomy of the shoulder and ribs

Understanding the Symptoms and Treatment for Broken Ribs Sustained in an Illinois Auto Accident

All injuries resulting from an auto accident have the potential to be permanent, requiring a substantial amount of medical treatment.  Additionally, the cost of medical treatment often can reach six figures if not seven figures throughout an injured person’s lifetime.  Sustaining broken ribs in an auto accident may not seem that debilitating.  However, such an injury can certainly cause a person to incur not only physical pain, but an inability to work, and an overall adjustment to one’s daily life.

It is crucial for victims of auto accidents to know what symptoms are associated with broken ribs and what steps to take when seeking medical treatment. First and foremost, any person injured in an auto accident should consider the possibility that he or she may have sustained injuries but has not yet experienced any symptoms.  As such, seeking immediate medical treatment is essential to determine whether a person has suffered broken ribs or some other injury that may not be readily known.

Symptoms associated with broken ribs resulting from an auto accident include, but may not be limited to, the following: 

  • Pain in any part of the chest;
  • Pain while breathing;
  • Shortness of breath;
  • Pain when applying pressure to the chest or torso;
  • Headaches; and
  • Dizziness. 

The only way to determine whether a person has sustained broken ribs resulting from an auto accident is to have an x-ray performed.  An x-ray will identify the extent of broken ribs which will then help to determine a person’s course of treatment.  While treatment should ordinarily be pretty routine for an individual who has sustained broken ribs, some complications can happen.  For example, a person who sustained broken ribs may develop pneumonia resulting from breathing difficulties.  As such, prompt treatment is essential to help prevent subsequent consequences resulting from broken ribs. 

If a person sustains broken ribs in an auto accident and another person was to blame for causing the accident, the injured victim may seek compensation to account for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages, among other damages.  Hospital treatment can be extremely expensive, even for something that may seem as simple as a broken bone.  Therefore, victims of auto accidents should consult with an attorney if they are considering legal action to seek compensation.

INJURED? CALL STEIN SHULMAN, LLC FOR YOUR INSTANT CASE ANALYSIS

Stein & Shulman, LLC has over 45 years of combined experienced in Illinois Accident & Personal Injury Law. You can receive a free and instant case review by calling our office at 312.422.0500.

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