In a California personal injury case, sternum injuries can result from significant trauma to the chest area, and they can be severe, affecting not only the sternum (breastbone) but also potentially the ribs, lungs, and heart. Sternum injuries are typically associated with blunt force trauma, such as in car accidents (especially rear-end or T-bone collisions).
Injury to the sternum can lead to pain, difficulty breathing, and limited movement, all of which can have long-term consequences for an individual’s health, ability to work, and quality of life. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you should know about sternum injuries in a personal injury context.
🧠 What is the Sternum?
- The sternum is the flat bone located in the center of the chest, connecting to the ribs via cartilage. It plays a crucial role in protecting vital organs like the heart and lungs.
- The sternum is divided into three parts:
- Manubrium (top part, near the clavicle)
- Body (longer central portion)
- Xiphoid process (small, bottom tip)
⚠️ Common Causes of Sternum Injuries in Personal Injury Cases:
- Car accidents (especially frontal or side-impact crashes where the chest strikes the steering wheel, airbag, or seatbelt)
- Slip-and-fall accidents (especially if a person falls onto their chest or is struck by a falling object)
- Sports injuries (contact sports like football or boxing)
- Physical altercations or assaults
💥 Types of Sternum Injuries:
| Injury Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Sternal contusion (bruising) | Damage to the sternum without breaking it, often causing pain, swelling, and bruising but no structural damage. |
| Sternum fracture | A break in the bone, typically caused by significant force like a car crash or fall. This injury can cause severe pain, difficulty breathing, and bruising. |
| Costal cartilage injury | Damage to the cartilage connecting the sternum to the ribs (often seen in rib fractures as well), causing localized chest pain. |
| Flail chest | A severe condition where multiple ribs break in more than one place, leading to a part of the chest wall moving independently. It may involve the sternum if multiple fractures occur. |
| Pneumothorax (collapsed lung) | Often caused by rib fractures near the sternum, resulting in air leakage into the chest cavity, leading to chest pain and difficulty breathing. |
| Heart or lung contusion | Direct trauma to the sternum can also injure vital internal organs like the heart or lungs, potentially leading to internal bleeding or complications. |
🧾 Key Medical Evidence to Support Your Claim:
- X-rays and CT scans to identify fractures, contusions, or damage to the sternum or surrounding organs
- Physical therapy or pain management records showing the impact on daily life and the need for ongoing treatment
- Emergency room records documenting trauma, diagnosis, and immediate treatment
- Chest CT scan to check for more serious injuries like pneumothorax or organ contusions
- Pain management or cardiology reports if heart or lung injuries are suspected
💵 Recoverable Damages in a Sternum Injury Case:
✅ Economic Damages:
- Medical bills (hospital stays, imaging, follow-up visits, and rehab)
- Lost wages or diminished earning capacity (if unable to work due to pain or limitations)
- Future medical expenses (if the injury causes long-term issues such as chronic pain, difficulty breathing, or ongoing treatment needs)
- Rehabilitation costs (physical therapy, chiropractic care, pain management)
✅ Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and suffering (for both the physical pain of the injury and emotional distress caused by long-term discomfort)
- Loss of enjoyment of life (especially if the injury limits normal activities like exercise, hobbies, or work tasks)
- Emotional distress (due to prolonged recovery or fear of serious long-term complications)
- Loss of consortium (for a spouse or partner if the injury impacts the relationship)
💰 Estimated Settlement Values for Sternum Injuries:
| Injury Severity | Estimated Settlement Range |
|---|---|
| Mild contusion (bruising) | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Single sternum fracture | $15,000 – $50,000 |
| Multiple rib fractures with sternum involvement | $50,000 – $150,000 |
| Flail chest or severe internal injuries | $200,000 – $500,000+ |
| Pneumothorax or severe internal organ damage | $150,000 – $300,000+ |
Note: The actual value of your case will depend on factors such as:
- Severity of the injury
- Treatment required (surgical intervention, hospitalization, long-term care)
- Long-term pain and limitations
- Impact on ability to work and live a normal life
- Medical documentation linking the injury to the accident
📅 California Statute of Limitations (Legal Time Limits):
- [Generally] 2 years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit
- 6 months if a government entity is involved in the incident (e.g., accidents involving public transportation or city property)
🔍 How to Strengthen a Sternum Injury Claim:
✅ Seek immediate medical treatment for any chest or rib injuries—delays in treatment can negatively affect your case.
✅ Follow through with all prescribed treatments (physical therapy, pain management, follow-up visits).
✅ Keep a pain journal documenting how the injury affects your ability to perform daily tasks, work, or engage in hobbies.
✅ Gather all medical records (ER reports, imaging results, specialist evaluations) to document the extent of the injury.
✅ Be transparent about any breathing difficulties, heart issues, or pain during recovery to show the full impact on your life.
⚠️ Insurance Company Tactics to Watch Out For:
- Dismissing the injury as “minor bruising” or “temporary discomfort”
- Suggesting the injury is pre-existing or not linked to the accident
- Offering low settlement amounts before all injuries are fully assessed
- Questioning the need for ongoing treatment or therapies
Law Offices of James R. Dickinson – 909-848-8448
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