March 7, 2025 | Car Accidents
A fractured sternum can be a serious injury because the bone fragments can damage the lungs, heart, or membranes surrounding them. The treatment for these complications may include surgery. However, even when these complications do not occur, a fractured sternum can cause significant pain during recovery.
Factors That Affect Car Accident Settlements
Florida uses no-fault insurance. This system forces most car accident victims to first pursue compensation from their insurers. They can only seek compensation from an at-fault driver’s insurer when they suffer significant, permanent injuries or have losses that exceed their no-fault policy limits.
A crash victim who files a no-fault claim can only receive reimbursement for 80% of their medical expenses and 60% of their income losses up to their policy limit of $10,000.
If the victim meets the criteria to file a claim against the at-fault driver, they can seek compensation for their economic and non-economic losses, including:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Past lost income
- Future diminished earnings
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering
Thus, a car accident victim who can escape the no-fault system can seek significantly greater compensation than those within it.
Additionally, the no-fault system has an important exception. Motorcyclists cannot buy no-fault insurance. After a motorcycle accident, the injured rider can always pursue a claim against the at-fault driver.
The compensation a crash victim can seek in a fault-based claim depends on the severity of their injuries. More severe injuries will require more expensive medical care and have a greater effect on the victim’s ability to work. Moreover, they will experience greater pain and suffering.
What Is a Fractured Sternum?
The sternum is the triangular bone in the center of your chest that attaches to the ribs with cartilage. Another name for the sternum is the breast bone. Sternum fractures usually result from blunt-force trauma to the center of the chest. For example, if you hit the steering wheel during a truck accident, the impact can fracture your sternum.
A fractured sternum can vary greatly in severity. A minor fracture might only produce a hairline break in the bone. A severe fracture may displace a bone fragment, causing the cartilage to tear. Depending on how far the fragment displaces, it may puncture the membranes surrounding the lungs or heart or even damage these vital organs.
If the sternum punctures the pericardium surrounding the heart, the membrane can fill with fluid and strangle the heart from beating. Similarly, if the bone damages the membranes surrounding the lungs, the space around the lungs can fill with fluid and cause the lungs to collapse. Both of these conditions are life-threatening and require emergency surgery.
Settlement for a Fractured Sternum
The settlement for a fractured sternum depends on the severity of the injury and any complications you experience. If you suffered a non-displaced fracture, you may have significant medical bills for the diagnosis, but the treatment will typically include rest and anti-inflammatory medication. In this case, you may be limited to your no-fault insurance benefits.
However, a more serious injury, such as a displaced sternal fracture, may justify a claim against the at-fault driver. In these cases, your settlement can include all of your economic losses. If the sternal fracture causes permanent damage to your heart or lungs, you can also seek pain and suffering damages.
Pursuing a Fair Settlement for a Fractured Sternum
The severity of a fractured sternum determines your settlement. Understanding your losses will help you determine whether you must file a no-fault claim or are eligible to file a fault-based claim. Knowing the compensation available under each of these systems will also help you negotiate a fair settlement.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in Florida
If you’ve been injured in an accident, please contact our experienced car accident lawyers at Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group to schedule a free consultation today. We have three convenient locations in Florida, including Vero Beach, St. Petersburg, and Port St. Lucie.
Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group – Vero Beach
2651 20th St
Vero Beach, FL 32960
(772) 758-5735
Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group – St. Petersburg
200 Central Ave Suite 304
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(772) 404-3858
Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group – Port St. Lucie
10805 SW Tradition Square Unit 024A
Port St. Lucie, FL 34987
(772) 617-8814
