Complications of Rib Fractures after a Car Accident
Rib fractures are significant injuries and, therefore, there are only a few causes. For example, when people fall, they extend their arms to protect themselves. This protects their ribs and vital organs from suffering a severe injury. Some of the causes of rib fractures include:
- Involvement in a motor vehicle accident
- Having required CPR
- Being the victim of a physical assault or child abuse
Overall, motor vehicle accidents are one of the most common causes of broken ribs. Some of the ways that someone could develop a broken rib in an auto accident include:
- Striking their chest on the steering wheel or dashboard
- Being ejected from a motor vehicle
- Being hit by shrapnel flying through the car
Broken ribs are always severe because of the complications that can develop. Some of these complications are life-threatening. Therefore, it is essential for everyone to know the signs and symptoms of these complications.
Signs and Symptoms of a Rib Fracture
If someone suffers a rib fracture in a motor vehicle collision, several symptoms could manifest. Some of the symptoms include:
- Severe respiratory distress which might get worse when people take a deep breath
- An increased heart rate
- Severe shortness of breath
- Numbness or tingling in the chest or arms
- Visible bruising over the chest
Broken ribs are often diagnosed using a chest x-ray. Depending on the location of the broken ribs, there are serious complications that can develop. Some of these could be life-threatening.
A Life-Threatening Complication: A Collapsed Lung
One of the most severe complications that someone could develop is a collapsed lung, which is called a pneumothorax. A person’s lung collapsed when air enters the chest cavity and collapses the lung from the outside. With the additional pressure from the outside of the lung, it is unable to inflate fully. This leads to respiratory distress. Some of the symptoms of a collapsed lung are:
- A windpipe that is deviating away from the side of the collapsed lung
- Severe, worsening shortness of breath
- A feeling of impending doom
A collapsed lung can be diagnosed using a chest x-ray. To treat a collapsed lung, a doctor inserts a needle into the chest cavity and releases the air that is trapped inside. This allows the lung to reinflate. Then, a doctor will place a chest tube inside of the chest cavity to ensure that the collapsed lung does not return. If the air is not removed from the chest cavity quickly, a collapsed lung could be fatal.
Nerve Damage Following a Rib Fracture
Another possible complication of a rib fracture is nerve damage. Many essential nerves run through the chest. Depending on the location of the rib fracture, different nerves could be damaged. They include:
- The nerves that power the diaphragm which can lead to paralysis of the diaphragm and respiratory distress.
- The nerves that power the scapula, which can lead to shoulder problems.
- The nerves that power the upper arm which can cause problems raising the arm over the head.
In some cases, the nerves can be repaired; however, in some situations, nerve damage can be permanent. Nerve damage can be diagnosed using a combination of imaging and nerve conduction studies. Rib fractures will take some time to heal; however, most individuals will make a full recovery.
Watch YouTube Video: Broken Ribs & Rib Fracture Surgery. In this video, Dr. Buck Parker discusses broken ribs and explains whether or not someone needs surgery.
Contacting a Car Accident Lawyer
The complications of rib fractures can be life-threatening. After seeking emergency medical care, families should also speak with an experienced Sacramento car accident lawyer. Some of the resources that an experienced attorney can share include:
- Seeking damages that are related to the injuries, the car accident, and any of their complications
- Helping families in making objective decisions during a difficult time
- Reaching out to financial institutions to make sure that all bills are paid on time and that all benefits are awarded appropriately
- Taking a case to trial when needed
Families should know that help is always available. Nobody should ever feel isolated during a tough time. Reach out to a car accident lawyer in Sacramento. You could be owed a monetary award.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a car accident lawyer in Sacramento. Rib fractures can lead to severe complications, including a collapsed lung, which can be life-threatening. If someone you know has been involved in an accident and subsequently suffered a broken rib, please call me at (800) 404-5400 or (916) 921-6400 for free, friendly legal advice.
I am proud to be a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and in the Top One Percent, a National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
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