A broken rib typically causes sharp pain. If you have a tender area on your ribs that hurts with every breath, you may have a broken rib. You may also feel or hear a crack or pop when the injury happens.
A broken rib is typically caused by sudden impact or blunt force. Treating broken ribs usually requires professional medical attention. In severe cases, a broken rib can puncture a lung, which may become a life-threatening injury.
Symptoms of a Broken Rib
One of the first signs of broken ribs is soreness or sensitivity to the touch of the area around the broken rib. However, that’s also a symptom of a bruised rib, which is painful, but not as serious. So, when determining whether you have a broken rib, there are some other symptoms to look out for, including:
- Pain around the affected area that worsens with movement, breathing, or both
- Heavy bruising or swelling in the area of the broken rib
- Discomfort or difficulty breathing
- Shortness of breath
If you are experiencing any of these broken rib symptoms, it’s a good idea to seek medical attention immediately. Broken ribs have varying degrees of severity, ranging from a small crack to a complete break, which can puncture your lung or cause other internal damage that may be life-threatening. That’s simply not a chance you want to take.
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What Is the Typical Treatment for a Broken Rib?
Per Mayo Clinic, most broken ribs heal themselves in about six weeks. Unlike a broken arm or leg, doctors can’t put a cast on broken ribs. It is also not wise to wrap or compress broken ribs, as that can make it more difficult to breathe.
In most cases, treatment for broken ribs may include rest, ice, breathing exercises, pain medication, and avoiding strenuous activity.
Severe rib breaks, such as those that may lead to a punctured lung or other internal damage, can require more aggressive treatment. Per JB & JS Essential Surgical Techniques, surgery can stabilize rib fractures in certain cases, especially if multiple ribs are broken.
Are Broken Ribs Expensive to Treat?
Although many broken ribs can be treated with rest and recuperation, the medical attention necessary to diagnose them can be expensive. The cost of doctor’s visits, x-rays, and other related medical treatment often comes as an unpleasant financial surprise to people with broken ribs.
Obviously, if the broken rib requires surgery or has caused more serious internal injuries, the cost of treatment will be elevated.
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Can You Break a Rib in a Car Accident?
Broken ribs are almost always caused by blunt-force trauma. The severe, sudden impact that frequently accompanies car accidents can easily lead to broken ribs. Even in a minor car accident, pressure from a seatbelt can result in broken ribs.
Other potential causes of broken ribs include:
- Bicycle accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Scooter accidents
- Contact sports (e.g., football, rugby, martial arts)
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What if You Can’t Pay Your Medical Bills After Suffering Broken Ribs in a Car Accident?
If you broke your ribs or suffered other injuries in a car accident and can’t afford your medical bills, you may have options. It shouldn’t be your responsibility to pay your medical bills and other costs from an accident that wasn’t your fault. If someone else caused your accident, they should pay your medical bills.
In addition to medical bills, the at-fault party may also owe you compensation for:
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Other accident-related losses
The law allows you to demand compensation from the at-fault driver who caused your accident. A car accident attorney from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can help you seek those damages by filing an insurance claim or lawsuit and seeking a fair settlement.
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Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Helps Car Accident Victims
Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers is a Louisiana personal injury firm that helps people like you seek the compensation they deserve after being injured in a car accident. Even if the other driver has admitted fault and their insurance company is involved, it may benefit you to have a car accident attorney on your side. At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, our mission is to fight for you. In fact, we’ve won millions of dollars for our clients.
The at-fault driver’s insurance company will not be on your side. They want to give you the least amount of money possible for your injuries. We want to help you get enough to cover your medical bills and other losses. So, if you broke a rib in a car accident and are unsure what to do, please call our office for a free consultation to find out how an attorney from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can help you.
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