Illinois Rib Fracture Lawyers

Top-Rated Illinois Injury Attorneys for Broken Ribs Due to Car Accidents, Bicycle Accidents, and Slip and Falls

Rib fractures are among the most common and painful injuries suffered in personal injury cases, particularly in motor vehicle accidents, falls, and assaults. These injuries are not only painful but can also be dangerous, leading to serious complications such as lung damage, internal bleeding, and even death in severe cases. Understanding what a rib fracture is, how it occurs, how it is diagnosed and treated, and what your legal options are if someone else’s negligence caused your injury is critical.

What Are the Ribs and What Do They Do?

The rib cage is made up of 12 pairs of ribs that enclose and protect some of the most vital organs in the human body, including the lungs, heart, liver, spleen, and kidneys. These curved, flat bones connect to the spine in the back and, in most cases, to the sternum (breastbone) in the front through costal cartilages. The rib cage also plays a major role in the breathing process by expanding and contracting to allow lung inflation.

Ribs are classified into three categories:

• True Ribs (1st–7th): These attach directly to the sternum via their own costal cartilage.
• False Ribs (8th–10th): These attach indirectly to the sternum through the cartilage of the rib above.
• Floating Ribs (11th–12th): These do not attach to the sternum at all.

What Is a Rib Fracture?

A rib fracture, also known as a broken rib, is a break or crack in one or more of the bones forming the rib cage. These injuries often occur due to blunt force trauma and are particularly common in car accidents, bicycle crashes, sports injuries, and high-impact falls.

Statistically, rib fractures occur in up to 10% of all trauma patients, according to the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery. Rib fractures are also more common in older adults due to decreased bone density and increased brittleness.

The most frequently fractured ribs are between the 4th and 10th ribs, as they are more exposed and less protected by surrounding anatomical structures.

Common Causes of Rib Fractures in Personal Injury Cases

1. Motor Vehicle Accidents

Car crashes are one of the leading causes of rib fractures. Seat belts, while lifesaving, can exert significant pressure on the chest during a collision. This can result in multiple rib fractures, especially in high-speed or head-on collisions.

2. Falls

Falls, particularly in older adults or on hard surfaces, can result in rib fractures. These incidents may stem from unsafe premises, lack of fall protection, or slippery conditions, and are common in personal injury claims under premises liability law.

3. Bicycle and Scooter Accidents

Electric scooter accidents have been on the rise, especially in urban areas. According to a study published in JAMA Network Open, nearly 40% of e-scooter injuries involve fractures, and rib injuries are among the most frequently reported in collisions with vehicles or due to loss of balance.

4. Physical Assaults

Direct blows to the chest, whether from a punch or object, can cause rib fractures. These injuries may be relevant in assault and battery lawsuits or claims involving negligent security.

Symptoms of a Rib Fracture

Recognizing the signs of a rib fracture is essential. The most common symptoms include:

• Sharp pain at the injury site
• Pain that worsens with breathing, coughing, or sneezing
• Bruising or discoloration over the ribcage
• Swelling or tenderness to the touch
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

In cases of multiple fractures, a patient may also suffer from flail chest, a life-threatening condition where a segment of the rib cage becomes detached from the rest of the chest wall.

How are Rib Fractures Diagnosed?

A healthcare provider will usually begin with a physical examination to assess pain levels, observe breathing, and identify signs of trauma. Imaging tests are often necessary to confirm the diagnosis and assess severity:

• X-ray: Can reveal larger, displaced fractures but may miss small hairline fractures.
• CT scan: Provides detailed cross-sectional images and is better for identifying subtle or complex fractures.
• MRI: Offers high-resolution images of both bones and soft tissue, useful in detecting injuries to lungs or blood vessels.
• Ultrasound: Often used to identify fluid build-up or injury in soft tissue.
• Bone Scan: Detects stress fractures or areas of bone remodeling through radioactive tracers.

Complications of Rib Fractures

A fractured rib is not just painful—it can be dangerous. Because the rib cage protects many vital organs, fractures can lead to severe complications, including:

• Pneumothorax (collapsed lung): A rib punctures the lung, allowing air to escape into the chest cavity.
• Hemothorax: Accumulation of blood between the chest wall and lungs.
• Pulmonary contusions: Bruised lung tissue, reducing oxygen exchange.
• Damage to organs: Lower rib fractures may damage the liver, spleen, or kidneys.
• Flail Chest: Multiple fractures that destabilize the chest wall.
• Pneumonia or Atelectasis: Due to shallow breathing caused by pain, increasing infection risk.

These complications may lead to lengthy hospital stays, intensive care, and even death if untreated.

Treatment for Rib Fractures

Most rib fractures heal on their own within 6 to 8 weeks, provided there are no complications. Common treatments include:

• Pain management with NSAIDs or prescribed painkillers
• Rest and avoidance of activities that aggravate the injury
• Ice application to reduce swelling
• Deep breathing exercises or incentive spirometry to prevent pneumonia
• Surgical intervention in severe cases to stabilize broken ribs using plates or wires

Patients may also undergo physical therapy to improve breathing and mobility, especially in elderly or high-risk individuals.

Common Rib Fracture Injury Scenarios in Personal Injury Cases

Rib fractures frequently appear in:

• Car accidents involving sudden deceleration or airbag deployment
• Truck accidents, where the force of impact is significantly greater
• Bicycle and scooter accidents, especially in urban Illinois environments like Chicago
• Slip and fall incidents, particularly those involving dangerous premises
• Construction site accidents involving falls or impact injuries

In Illinois, if another person’s negligence or a business’s unsafe condition caused the injury, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages.

What Is the Value of a Rib Fracture Settlement?

The value of a rib fracture settlement depends on several factors, including:

• The number of ribs broken
• Whether there were complications (e.g., lung injury or surgery)
• Length of recovery
• Loss of income or inability to work
• Medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent damage or scarring

Personal injury settlements involving simple rib fractures can range from $15,000 to $50,000, while more complex cases involving multiple fractures, organ damage, or flail chest can result in settlements or verdicts exceeding $100,000.

What to Do If You’ve Suffered a Rib Fracture in an Accident

If you suspect you’ve suffered a rib fracture due to someone else’s negligence, here’s what to do:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Even if the injury seems minor, get checked out. Internal injuries, like broken ribs, can be serious and aren’t always immediately apparent.

2. Document the Incident

Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. If it was a car accident, report it to the police, get a copy of the police report, and get contact info from witnesses.

3. Follow Medical Advice

Attend all follow-up appointments and stick to your treatment plan. Gaps in care can hurt both your health and your legal case.

4. Consult a Personal Injury Attorney

Rib fracture cases can involve insurance disputes, especially if you need long-term care or surgery. An experienced Illinois personal injury attorney can help you get full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Contact the Illinois Rib Fracture Injury Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

If you’ve suffered rib fractures in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, don’t go through the legal process alone. Rib injuries can be deceptively serious and affect every aspect of your life, from daily comfort to job performance. At John J. Malm & Associates, our award-winning injury attorneys help accident victims throughout Illinois recover compensation for injuries caused by car crashes, falls, assaults, and more. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about your rights after an accident.