When people come to Lafayette personal injury lawyers, they often ask if there’s an average settlement for a sternum injury. The truth is, there isn’t a set number. Settlements can range from a few thousand dollars to six figures, depending on the severity of the injury and how it affects daily life.
Several factors influence settlement amounts, including medical bills, lost wages, and long-term effects. Understanding what goes into a claim can help you make informed decisions. If you’re dealing with a sternum injury, we’re here to provide clear, compassionate guidance every step of the way.
Understanding Sternum Injuries
Your sternum, or breastbone, is the flat bone in the center of your chest that protects your heart, lungs, and major blood vessels. A sudden impact—like in a car accident—can bruise or fracture it, making even small movements painful. Breathing, laughing, or turning your upper body can become difficult, and healing may take weeks or months.
Many people don’t realize how much they rely on their chest muscles until an injury makes simple tasks a struggle. Lifting, reaching, or even sleeping can be painful. If your job requires physical work, missing time can add financial stress on top of the pain.
Doctors may order X-rays or MRIs to assess the damage. Some cases need medication, therapy, or a brace for support. Between medical bills, lost income, and daily discomfort, a sternum injury can affect every part of your life.
Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.
ClientCommon Causes of Sternum Injuries
Sternum injuries happen when sudden force or pressure impacts the chest. While car accidents are a leading cause, other situations can also result in bruises, fractures, or muscle strains in this area. Some of the most common causes include:
- Car accidents: Seat belts, airbags, and steering wheel impact can put intense pressure on the chest during a crash.
- Sports injuries: Contact sports like football, hockey, and martial arts can lead to direct blows to the chest.
- Falls: Landing hard on your chest after a fall, especially from a height, can cause significant injury.
- Physical assault: A strong punch, kick, or blunt force trauma to the chest can bruise or fracture the sternum.
- Workplace accidents: Heavy machinery, falling objects, or sudden impact in physically demanding jobs can result in chest injuries.
If you have trouble breathing, moving, or notice persistent chest pain after any of these incidents, a medical evaluation can help determine the severity of your injury.
I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.
Rick Smith | ClientWhat Insurance Adjusters Do
Insurance companies typically represent the party responsible for your injury, and an adjuster may contact you soon after the incident to gather facts. They review police reports, medical records, and witness statements. While they might seem friendly, their main goal is to pay as little as possible.
Adjusters often start with a low offer or ask for personal health details to challenge your claim. This can be frustrating when you’re trying to recover. We take over these conversations so you don’t have to stress about negotiations or paperwork while focusing on your healing.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientKey Factors that Shape Settlement Amounts
Several elements help decide whether you may receive a modest sum or a larger settlement:
- Medical bills: Costs for emergency room visits, follow-up appointments, imaging tests, pain management, and physical therapy can add up quickly.
- Time away from work: If your job involves physical labor, even a minor sternum injury can keep you off the clock for weeks. You could lose wages or even risk your position if your employer needs someone who can work right away.
- Long–term effects: In some cases, chest pain or reduced mobility might linger. If your sternum or surrounding muscles never fully heal, you could face future medical bills and a permanent impact on your lifestyle.
- Emotional toll: The stress and anxiety that follow a significant injury may count toward damages as well, especially if you require counseling or additional care to get back on your feet.
They treated us like no other people would. Whenever we needed something they were there for us. I put my trust in them and I don’t regret it.
ClientSteps that May Strengthen Your Claim
Many of our clients ask what they can do right now to help their legal case.
- Seek medical treatment: Get a full evaluation immediately. If you wait, insurance adjusters might suggest you were not really hurt or that your condition came from something else.
- Follow your doctor’s plan: Attend each appointment and take prescribed medication. Not following through can make insurers think your injury isn’t as serious.
- Save documentation: Keep all bills, receipts, diagnostic images, and notes from your healthcare providers. We rely on these materials to detail your losses and the pain you’ve experienced.
- Record personal details: Keep a journal of how this injury affects your daily life. Brief notes on pain, mobility issues, and emotional strain can highlight the true scope of your challenges.
Louisiana Statute of Limitations
In Louisiana, you usually have two years from the injury date to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline could mean losing your right to seek compensation. Acting quickly also helps preserve evidence and witness statements.
A Lafayette personal injury attorney can gather evidence, handle paperwork, and deal with insurance companies on your behalf. Legal deadlines and negotiations can be stressful, but having the right support can make a difference in your case.
How a Lafayette Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
We build a strong case to reflect the impact of your sternum injury by:
- Gathering witness statements to support your claim
- Reviewing video footage from dashcams or traffic cameras
- Consulting medical experts to explain your injury’s severity
- Documenting financial losses like medical bills and lost wages
- Presenting clear evidence to push for a fair settlement
Our team handles every detail, so you don’t have to.
Turn to Laborde Earles to Maximize Your Settlement
The average settlement for a sternum injury depends on medical costs, lost wages, and how it affects your life. Insurance companies may offer less than you deserve, but a Lafayette personal injury lawyer can fight for a fair payout.
Laborde Earles has recovered over $1 billion for injured clients by building strong cases with medical records, expert opinions, and solid evidence. We push back against low offers and take cases to court when necessary.
Your injury has already cost you enough. Let’s talk about what your claim could be worth and how we can help. Call Laborde Earles today for a free consultation.
