Blunt trauma to the chest wall can result in a rib fracture. Broken ribs are extremely painful, and are aggravated by movement of the trunk, including coughing and deep breathing.  When a rib fracture results from an accident caused by another person’s negligent, careless or reckless actions, the victim may be entitled to monetary compensation for their injuries. The California injury lawyers at Estey & Bomberger represent victims of serious injuries, including broken and fractured ribs.

Rib Fracture Injury Locations

The first rib, the most curved and shortest of all the ribs, is rarely fractured because it is protected by the clavicle, or collar bone. First rib fractures are very serious injuries because first rib fractures often cause damage to the brachial plexus nerves and subclavian vessels. The most common rib fractures are fractures of the middle ribs, specifically the 7th and the 10th ribs. Broken middle ribs usually happen from direct blows to the trunk or from indirect crushing injuries, such as from a car accident or pedestrian accident.  Lower rib fractures are also serious, because they have the potential to injure the diaphragm.

Rib Fracture Treatment

Because the ribs have to move to allow for breathing, rib fractures are extremely painful.  There is no specific treatment for broken ribs. Patients with more than three fractured ribs may be hospitalized for a period of time. If part of the chest wall is moving separately from the rest of the chest ( a life threatening condition known as flail chest), assisted ventilation may be necessary.  If imaging tests indicate no thoracic injuries (like a pulmonary contusion) or other organ damage, the treatment will be rest. Doctors may prescribe a pain killer to relieve pain.

Causes of Rib Fractures

Any blunt trauma can cause a rib fracture. Common causes of rib fractures include:

Accidents resulting in personal injuries can happen anywhere, any place, any time. If you have suffered an injury resulting in a rib fracture or any other broken bone or serious injury, contact a California personal injury attorney to assess your legal rights and explain your legal options. The dedicated lawyers at Estey & Bomberger have more than 70 years of collective experience representing injury victims in California. Our case results and client testimonials are a testament to our hard work and dedication.

Maximum Compensation For Your Rib Fracture Injuries

Choosing the right attorney is an important decision that can make the difference between full and fair compensation for your claim, and no compensation at all.  At Estey & Bomberger, we intentionally limit the number of cases we accept so that we can give every client the service and attention they deserve. To find out how the California broken rib lawyers at Estey & Bomberger can help you recover full and fair compensation for your injuries, call (800) 925-0723. All consultations are free, and if we represent you, we will not charge any fees unless we win your case.