Illinois Fractured Sternum Accident Lawyers

Injury Attorneys For Victims of Fractured Sternums After a Car Accident, Bike Crash, or Fall

At John J. Malm & Associates, we’ve built our reputation on helping injured clients across Naperville and the greater Chicago area get the compensation they deserve after serious accidents. Our team understands that certain injuries, like fractured sternums, can have devastating consequences that affect every part of a person’s life. While broken arms or legs are common after an accident, chest injuries involving the sternum are less talked about but no less painful. If you or a loved one has sustained a fractured sternum due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

What Is a Fractured Sternum?

The sternum, or breastbone, is the flat bone located in the center of your chest that helps protect vital organs such as the heart and lungs. A fractured sternum occurs when significant force is applied to the chest—most often in high-impact accidents like car crashes.

Though rare compared to other skeletal injuries, sternal fractures can result in serious complications and a long recovery time. They may also signal damage to internal organs and require advanced imaging and ongoing care.

Common Causes of Sternum Fractures

A fractured sternum most often results from blunt chest trauma, and the leading causes include:

• Car Accidents: Seatbelts, while lifesaving, can exert force against the chest during sudden deceleration, fracturing the sternum.
• Falls from Heights: Especially in construction or workplace settings.
• Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents: Direct impact with a vehicle or ground.
• Assaults or Crush Injuries: Often seen in violent incidents or heavy machinery accidents.
• Sports Injuries: Contact sports or accidents involving high speeds.

According to a study published in The Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, sternal fractures occur in approximately 3%–8% of all blunt trauma cases, with car accidents accounting for up to 90% of them.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of a Sternum Fracture

Common symptoms include:

• Severe, localized chest pain
• Bruising or swelling over the sternum
• Pain while breathing, coughing, or laughing
• Crepitus (a crunching sound) when the area is palpated
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

Diagnosis is typically confirmed through:

• Chest X-rays
• CT scans (to assess displacement or associated injuries)
• EKG or echocardiogram (to check for heart involvement)

Treatment Options for Fractured Sternums

Most fractured sternums are treated non-surgically. Treatment may involve:

• Rest and activity limitation
• Pain management
• Ice and anti-inflammatories
• Breathing exercises to prevent lung complications

For more serious cases (displaced fractures or those involving internal damage), surgical fixation with plates or wires may be required. However, studies indicate that only about 6% of sternal fractures require surgical treatment.

Recovery time varies, but most patients can expect 6 to 8 weeks for complete healing.

Complications of Sternal Fractures

A fractured sternum can lead to:

• Cardiac Contusions
• Pulmonary Injuries (e.g., pneumothorax)
• Infection (post-surgery or due to open wounds)
• Chronic Pain or Nonunion of the Bone
• Psychological Impacts from ongoing pain and trauma

A study in the Journal of Thoracic Disease noted that complications occur in over 30% of patients with sternal fractures when associated with other trauma.

Average Fractured Sternum Settlements in Illinois

In Illinois, compensation for a fractured sternum following a personal injury accident can vary widely depending on factors such as:

• Severity of the fracture (displaced vs. non-displaced)
• Associated injuries (e.g., rib fractures, internal bleeding, or cardiac trauma)
• Duration of recovery
• Loss of income or ability to work
• Extent of pain and suffering

Average Settlement Range in Illinois

While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, settlements for fractured sternums in Illinois generally range from:

• $75,000 to $150,000 for isolated, non-displaced fractures with full recovery
• $200,000 to $500,000+ for displaced fractures involving long-term disability, surgical repair, or internal complications
• $500,000 to $1 million+ for cases involving wrongful death or permanent impairment due to cardiac or pulmonary damage

These amounts are influenced by the strength of medical documentation, lost wage evidence, and legal advocacy, making it vital to work with experienced Illinois injury attorneys.

Can You Sue for a Fractured Sternum?

Yes, if your injury resulted from someone else’s negligence—such as a reckless driver, negligent employer, or defective product—you may be able to recover damages through a personal injury claim.

To establish liability, your attorney must prove:

1. Duty of care (the defendant had a responsibility to act safely)
2. Breach of duty (they failed to uphold that responsibility)
3. Causation (their actions caused your injuries)
4. Damages (you suffered financial, physical, or emotional harm)

Proving Damages in a Sternum Injury Case

Evidence plays a crucial role in obtaining a fair settlement. This may include:

• Emergency room and hospital records
• X-rays or CT scan results
• Statements from treating physicians
• Photos of visible bruising or injuries
• Paystubs and tax records for lost income
• Witness statements or accident reports

How Our Naperville Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help

At John J. Malm & Associates, we’ve recovered millions of dollars in compensation for clients across DuPage County, Cook County, and the Chicagoland area. Our team understands how painful and financially draining a sternal fracture can be—and we know how to fight insurance companies that undervalue your claim.

Here’s how we help:

• Thoroughly investigate the cause of your injury
• Work with orthopedic and trauma specialists to support your diagnosis
• Calculate full damages, including future medical needs and lost earnings
• Negotiate aggressively with insurance carriers
• Litigate when necessary to get you what you deserve

We handle all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win.

Contact the Top-Rated Illinois Sternum Fracture Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

A fractured sternum isn’t just a chest injury—it’s a life disruption. From medical expenses to emotional trauma and time off work, the costs can add up quickly. If you or a loved one has suffered a sternal fracture due to someone else’s negligence, you need legal representation that understands the full scope of your recovery.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we provide compassionate, experienced advocacy for injury victims throughout Illinois. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing.

Call (630) 527-4177 or visit https://www.malmlegal.com/contact-us/ to schedule your free consultation today.