How much is a broken sternum worth?

Without insurance, the typical cost for diagnosis and treatment of a broken sternum (breastbone) could range from less than $500 for a simple sternal fracture that does not require hospital admission up to $8,000 or more if other injuries, such as heart or lung injuries, are suspected and hospitalization is required.

What is average settlement for broken sternum?

The simple answer is, there is no average settlement. Every single personal injury case is different, and this is true even for each fractured sternum claim. Insurance companies often try to get victims to accept lowball offers that don’t cover all the losses they suffered or will suffer as a result of the accident.

Should I drive with a fractured sternum?

If you have been diagnosed with a fractured sternum, you should avoid driving your car until you are completely healed.

How long does a fractured sternum take to heal?

The amount of pain you feel and how long it may last for will depend on the type of injury you have and how badly you have been hurt. As a rough guide, fractured ribs and sternums take about 4-6 weeks to heal and it is usual to still feel some discomfort after this time. Bruising can take between 2-4 weeks to heal.

Is sternum fracture serious?

Displaced or unstable sternal fractures result in an increased risk of pulmonary injuries, pericardial effusions, rib fractures, and spinal compression fractures. Chest pain after the injury can persist for 8 to 12 weeks. Pain on inspiration can result in atelectasis, pneumonia, and other pulmonary complications.

How painful is a fractured sternum?

A broken sternum typically causes moderate to severe pain when the accident occurs. The pain may get worse when you take a deep breath, cough, or sneeze. The area over the sternum may be tender and hurt if touched.

Can you work with a fractured sternum?

How long will I be recovering? For most people, it takes about 10 weeks for a full recovery. Some take as long as 12 weeks before they are able to move and lift things without pain. This amount of time off work is likely a hardship, especially if you have medical bills from your injuries.

How long after a car accident can you feel pain?

So even though you might not feel any pain immediately after your accident, that doesn’t always mean you weren’t injured. Sometimes you won’t feel any pain until hours, days, or even weeks after the accident. That’s why it’s important to be mindful of any symptoms that may develop after the accident.

How bad does a broken sternum hurt?

Does a fractured sternum ever heal?

In most cases, a broken sternum will heal on its own. It can take 3 months or longer for the pain to go away. The doctor has checked you carefully, but problems can develop later. If you notice any problems or new symptoms, get medical treatment right away.

Can you survive a broken sternum?

Most people are able to fully recover from a broken sternum in a few months, the average recovery time being 10 and a half weeks. Recovery time may be longer time if surgery was required during treatment.

What causes a broken sternum in a car accident?

The vast majority of sternal fractures are caused by direct trauma to the chest. This trauma is usually caused by a seatbelt when a person is involved in a car accident. In addition to road accidents, sternal fractures are caused by: falling from a large height. high-impact sports. vehicle-to-pedestrian collisions.

What causes a sternal fracture in the chest?

Is it painful to breathe with a broken sternum?

When you breathe, your sternum moves. You probably don’t even notice it. But if your sternum is broken, every breath can be painful. It will hurt when you cough and when you laugh. You might not have a lot to laugh about after a car accident. However, coughing is a natural way to keep fluid and contaminants out of your lungs.

What should I do if I have a broken sternum?

During this time, ice the chest area to treat both swelling and pain. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). However, if your pain is severe, you may want to consult with your doctor about pain control. In rare cases, surgery is required to put the bone back in place.