If you suffered broken or bruised ribs in a car crash, you already know how painful and disruptive the injury can be. Breathing hurts. Sleep is difficult. Daily tasks feel impossible. And while you’re focused on healing, the mounting medical bills and the missed paychecks are taking their toll.
You’re probably asking: How much compensation can I get for broken ribs in a car accident? You may see other law firms advertising settlement dollar amounts. However, there is no average payout for broken ribs. Every settlement is dependent on the facts of the case.
At The Beliz Law Firm, we help injury victims across California understand their rights and fight for fair compensation. Attorney Michael A. Beliz has represented injured clients for nearly 20 years and knows how to hold insurance companies accountable. Whether your ribs were bruised or severely fractured, we can help you pursue a settlement that reflects the actual impact of your injury.
In this article, we’ll explain what affects the settlement for broken ribs in a car accident and the merits of hiring an attorney.
Key Points
- Broken ribs are painful and impact daily life. They can make simple tasks like lifting, bending, or even breathing difficult, often requiring weeks of recovery.
- Settlement values depend on medical evidence. X-rays, treatment records, and proof of complications (like punctured lungs) play a major role in compensation.
- Both economic and non-economic damages are considered. Medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering all factor into a broken ribs settlement.
- Insurance limits and legal representation matter. Your payout is influenced by policy coverage, liability disputes, and whether an attorney negotiates on your behalf.
How Much Compensation Will I Get for Bruised Ribs in a Car Accident?
There’s no fixed amount for broken or bruised ribs. These injuries range from mild soreness to deep, lingering pain that disrupts sleep and movement. Because of this, compensation depends heavily on the specifics of your case.
What Factors Affect a Broken Ribs Car Accident Settlement?
If you’re pursuing a broken or bruised ribs settlement, it’s crucial to understand how factors like injury severity, medical costs, and pain and suffering can influence your claim’s value.
Severity of Injuries
The number of ribs you break and the nature of those fractures can significantly impact your settlement. A single, non-displaced fracture may heal with rest and pain medication. In contrast, multiple breaks or complex fractures, especially those requiring surgery or hospitalization, can lead to extended recovery periods, higher medical costs, and more significant pain.
More severe injuries generally result in larger settlements because they involve higher healthcare expenses and more prolonged disruptions to your life.
Distribution of Fault
California follows a pure comparative negligence system. So, your compensation can be reduced if you are found partially responsible for the accident. For example, if you’re awarded $50,000 but found 20% at fault, your final settlement would be reduced to $40,000.
Insurers often try to shift blame to minimize payouts. Having legal representation can help protect your claim from unfair fault assessments.
Effect on Employment
Lost wages are a common part of car accident settlements. If your rib injury kept you from working for days or weeks, you may be entitled to compensation for that lost income. In more serious cases, where the injury affects your ability to perform your job long-term or forces a career change, you may also claim loss of future earning capacity.
Documenting your employment history, pay records, and any medical restrictions is critical to proving this part of your damages.
Pain and Suffering
Rib injuries often involve sharp, prolonged pain that worsens with movement, breathing, or coughing. Many people find routine activities, like tying their shoes or rolling over in bed, excruciating.
This suffering is not reflected in medical bills but is a real and compensable part of your claim. Insurers may use a multiplier to calculate pain and suffering, adjusting the figure based on the intensity and duration of your discomfort.
Permanent Impairment
Some rib fractures lead to long-term or permanent complications. These complications might include reduced lung function, chronic chest pain, or limited mobility. If your doctor expects that your injury will have lasting effects, that may increase the value of your settlement.
Permanent injuries can affect your personal life and professional future, so they carry significant weight in a compensation claim.
Impact on Daily Life
Rib injuries can interfere with even the most basic tasks. Breathing deeply, getting out of bed, or lifting everyday items like groceries can become painful challenges. Many people struggle to sleep, care for children, or keep up with routine responsibilities.
This loss of independence can disrupt your ability to work, care for your home, and maintain your mental health. These limitations are an essential part of your broken ribs car accident settlement, especially when the injury keeps you from living life as you did before the crash.
Other Complications
Some broken rib injuries involve more than just bone fractures. In severe cases, complications like punctured lungs, internal bleeding, or organ damage may occur. These conditions can require emergency care, surgery, or extended hospitalization.
Complications increase an injury’s severity and cost, often leading to a higher settlement.
Do I Need to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
While you’re not legally required to hire a lawyer after a car accident, doing so can significantly improve your chances of recovering a fair settlement for broken ribs in a car accident.
Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly and for as little as possible. Without legal representation, you may feel pressured to accept a low offer that doesn’t reflect your losses. A lawyer can help level the playing field by managing the legal process and advocating for the full value of your claim.
A car accident lawyer can help your broken ribs case by:
- Collecting evidence to prove fault;
- Calculating the damages you suffered;
- Negotiating with insurers; and
- Filing a lawsuit, if necessary.
At The Beliz Law Firm, we focus on personal injury cases—nothing else. Attorney Michael Beliz provides one-on-one guidance and takes the time to understand how your injury affects every part of your life. When you work with us, you’ll always know where your case stands and that someone is fighting for the outcome you deserve.
Speak with a Long Beach Injury Lawyer About Your Broken Ribs from a Car Accident Claim
At The Beliz Law Firm, we understand how painful and disruptive broken ribs from a car accident can be. You won’t deal with case managers or be treated like a number. You’ll speak directly with your attorney and get honest answers about your legal options.
If you suffered broken or bruised ribs in a California crash, don’t guess what your claim is worth. Contact The Beliz Law Firm today for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your rights, and help you pursue the compensation you need to move forward.
FAQs
What is the average settlement for broken ribs in a car accident?
There’s no universal figure. Settlement value depends on factors like the number of fractures, treatment needed, missed work, and the effect on daily life.
Does a punctured lung increase settlement value?
Yes. Complications like punctured or collapsed lungs significantly raise medical expenses and pain and suffering, which often results in higher settlements.
How are pain and suffering calculated for rib injuries?
Insurers consider the severity of pain, length of recovery, disruption of daily activities, and whether you experienced complications or long-term effects.
Will my settlement be smaller if I only had one broken rib?
Generally, yes. A single rib fracture that heals quickly will usually result in a lower payout than multiple or complicated rib fractures.
How long do I have to file a broken ribs claim in California?
Typically, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim, but insurance claims must be reported much sooner.
Michael A. Beliz, Esq., established The Beliz Law Firm in the spring of 2011. Michael has been a practicing attorney since 2006 and worked for two of the most prominent plaintiff’s personal injury law firms in Southern California. He has worked on and handled hundreds of cases as an attorney in all types of personal injury cases, including vehicle accidents, pedestrian accidents and dog bites, and successfully recovered millions of dollars for his clients.
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