Fractured or broken ribs from North Carolina car collisions are generally due to impact on the chest area during the crash. Breaks or cracks can occur when the driver collides with the steering wheel when a passenger collides with the dash or under the sheer force of the seatbelt against the chest during a high-impact collision.
The rib cage encloses the body’s thoracic cavity, which contains the lungs. Rib fractures, which are painful and can take months to heal, are the most common type of injury that occurs when there is blunt trauma to the thorax (chest region), according to the medical journal Clinics. Our shoulder blades and collarbone primarily protect the ribs at the uppermost section. The lower ribs are more flexible and more susceptible to injury during an accident.
Common Symptoms of Fractured Ribs
There are 12 pairs of ribs in the human body; during a serious North Carolina car wreck, any of the 24 ribs can potentially sustain an injury. Some fractures are partial cracks, while others are so severe that the bone breaks into two or more pieces.
Cracked ribs cause a significant amount of pain and discomfort. Fully broken ribs are even more painful and tend to be far more dangerous. This is because it is not uncommon for a fully broken rib to puncture and damage nearby organs, such as the lungs, kidneys, spleen, or liver. Broken ribs can also puncture the aorta, the body’s main artery.
Broken ribs limit the victim’s ability to take deep breaths. Attempting to breathe deeply proves to be very painful. Other symptoms of a fractured or broken rib include the following.
- Tenderness and pain in the affected area that worsens upon touch
- Pain when you bend or twist your body
- Tightness in chest
- The sensation of bone scraping across bone
- Pain when coughing
- Swelling and bruising in the fractured area
- Internal bleeding
How do Doctors Treat Fractured or Broken Ribs?
Your doctor may advise wearing a chest binder to protect your ribs while you heal and allow you to breathe properly and more comfortably. Other parts of a treatment plan for broken ribs usually include the following.
- Moderated activity – Doctors order most patients with fractured ribs to get ample amounts of rest and reduce their physical activity to allow their bodies time to heal. You may have to take time off of work to heal, especially if you have a physically active job.
- Breathing exercises – It is also important to consciously take periodic deep breaths during the healing process. Although it may be painful to inhale deeply, it is essential to keep the lungs healthy and free of infections like pneumonia.
- Medication – Doctors often recommend over-the-counter pain medications to manage the pain, as well as anti-inflammatories to reduce swelling around the injured ribs. If the pain is substantial, prescriptions may be necessary.
- Physical therapy – Therapists can recommend certain exercises to teach you how to move without pain while keeping up your strength and circulation.
- Surgery – Surgery may be required if a portion of the rib cage becomes detached from the chest wall or to repair a punctured organ or blood vessel.
Representation for Broken Ribs
Expenses can rack up quickly for broken rib injuries, and recovery can be a lengthy process. Because damages can be substantial, consider speaking with a local accident attorney about your case. When you have suffered as a result of another’s neglect, such as in a car accident, your case deserves a thorough review so that you can fully recover for your losses.
If you’ve suffered broken ribs in a North Carolina automobile collision caused by another driver’s negligence, you are entitled to compensation for the damages you’ve incurred. Our experienced personal injury attorneys represent clients across the Carolinas from our offices in Raleigh, Charlotte, and Fayetteville. All personal injury matters are handled on a contingency basis – meaning that you do not pay any attorneys’ fee unless and until we make a recovery on your behalf. Contact us today by visiting our contact page or through our live chat.
