Texas Lawyer for Broken Sternum Car Wreck Settlements & Lawsuits
Broken Sternum From a Texas Car Accident? Discuss Your Potential Broken Sternum Claim and Lawsuit with A Trusted Houston Attorney
A fractured sternum is not a minor injury. The sternum sits directly in front of the heart, major vessels, and the lungs. The force required to fracture it in a car accident, typically from direct impact with the steering wheel or severe seatbelt loading, may also cause cardiac contusion, aortic injury, pulmonary contusion, or rib fractures that significantly elevate both the medical urgency and the claim value. Adley Law Firm represents people with sternal fractures and associated injuries from Texas car accidents. Settlement values in these cases may range from around $30,000 for non-displaced fractures without cardiac complication to $500,000 or more when cardiac monitoring, surgical fixation, or concurrent rib fractures and pulmonary injuries are involved. No two cases are alike, and what may be available depends on factors including fault, available insurance coverage, the severity of the injuries, the length and cost of recovery, and the impact on the ability to work. Call (713) 999-8669 for a free consultation.
What a Sternal Fracture Means Clinically
Why Sternal Fractures Require Serious Evaluation
The sternum is the flat bone in the center of the chest to which the ribs attach. It sits directly in front of the heart, aorta, pulmonary vessels, and lungs. Fracturing it requires significant impact force, which is why sternal fractures in car accidents are treated as markers for potential underlying cardiac and pulmonary injury, not simply as isolated bone fractures.
Most sternal fractures in car accidents result from direct steering wheel impact, severe seatbelt compression across the chest, or airbag deployment against the chest wall in a high-speed crash. The immediate presentation is severe midline chest pain with radiation to the back or shoulders, pain that worsens sharply with breathing, coughing, or trunk movement, and often a palpable defect or crepitus at the fracture site.
The most clinically significant companion injury is cardiac contusion, or bruising of the heart muscle from the same impact that fractured the sternum. Cardiac contusion may cause arrhythmias including ventricular fibrillation, elevated troponin levels indicating myocardial damage, and in severe cases cardiogenic shock. Most trauma protocols require 24 to 48 hours of cardiac monitoring following sternal fracture, which means inpatient hospitalization is the standard of care, not optional.
A Sternal Fracture Is a Red Flag for Cardiac and Aortic Injury
Traumatic aortic injury, where the impact forces tear the inner layer of the aorta, is associated with high-energy thoracic trauma of the type that fractures the sternum. While aortic injury is less common than cardiac contusion, it is life-threatening and requires imaging evaluation. A complete workup of a sternal fracture from a high-energy crash includes cardiac monitoring, troponin levels, and CT of the chest.
Sternal Fracture Clinical Data
Companion Injuries Drive Sternal Fracture Claims
These figures come from Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery literature and ACS thoracic trauma committee data. They show that isolated sternal fractures without companion injuries are less common than the insurance industry’s characterization suggests.
Sternal Fracture Associated Injuries in Car Accidents
Thoracic trauma literature documents the frequency of associated injuries in car accident sternal fracture cases. These companion injuries often drive the majority of the medical cost and claim value, which is why a complete evaluation is essential before any settlement.
Source: Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery; ACS thoracic trauma committee data
The cardiac contusion category is where insurer minimization of sternal fracture claims most frequently fails. When the medical record shows EKG changes, troponin elevation, or arrhythmia requiring monitoring after a sternal fracture, the argument that the injury is minor collapses. The hospitalization required for cardiac monitoring, the specialist cardiology consultation, and the follow-up cardiac imaging are all compensable medical costs in the damages claim.
Sternal Fracture Injuries and Treatment
Sternal Fracture Types and Medical Management
Sternal fractures from car accidents require careful evaluation and appropriate medical management. Understanding what that management involves is important for building an accurate damages claim.
What to Do After a Broken Sternum in a Car Accident
Accept All Recommended Monitoring and Hospitalization
If the treating team recommends cardiac monitoring, accept it and stay for the prescribed period. The monitoring documentation, EKG findings, and troponin levels are part of the medical record that supports the claim and establishes the severity of the injury.
Follow Chest CT Recommendations
If your treating physician or trauma surgeon recommends chest CT, have it done. CT of the chest documents the sternal fracture precisely, identifies companion rib fractures, and screens for aortic and pulmonary injury that may not be apparent on plain X-ray.
Document All Activity Limitations During Recovery
Sternal fractures prevent driving, lifting, pushing, pulling, and most work activities for 8 to 12 weeks. Document what you cannot do daily in writing. This record is important for wage loss claims and non-economic damages.
Report Cardiac Symptoms Promptly
If you experience irregular heartbeat, palpitations, shortness of breath, or chest pain changes after leaving the hospital, seek medical evaluation immediately. These symptoms may indicate arrhythmia from cardiac contusion that requires management.
Contact Adley Law Firm
Call (713) 999-8669. We evaluate the full scope of your sternal fracture, companion injuries, and all associated medical care and build the complete claim from the first day of representation.
Settlement Value Context
Sternal fracture settlements depend heavily on whether cardiac complications occurred, whether concurrent rib fractures were present, the hospitalization required, and whether surgical fixation was needed.
Non-displaced, no cardiac complication
$30,000–$100,000
Conservative management, no arrhythmia, recovery within 10–12 weeks
Cardiac monitoring required or concurrent ribs
$100,000–$300,000
EKG changes, troponin elevation, or concurrent multiple rib fractures
Surgical fixation or serious complications
$300,000–$800,000+
Displaced fracture requiring surgery or significant cardiac/pulmonary complications
These ranges reflect published verdicts and settlements in cases with similar injuries. No two cases are alike. What may be available in any specific case depends on the facts, fault, available insurance coverage, and the full treatment history. Sources: lawsuitinfocenter.com sternum settlement data; millerandzois.com; kalkalaw.com published case data.
What You Can Recover
Broken Sternum Settlement Value in Texas
Texas law may allow people with sternal fractures from car accidents to recover for:
- Emergency trauma evaluation, X-rays, CT of the chest, and all diagnostic imaging
- Inpatient hospitalization for cardiac monitoring, pain management, and pulmonary complication monitoring
- Cardiology consultation and follow-up if cardiac contusion produces EKG or troponin changes
- Surgical fixation costs if displaced or comminuted sternal fracture requires operative repair
- Physical therapy and respiratory therapy during recovery
- Lost wages during the 8 to 12 week healing period and any extended recovery from complications
- Physical pain during recovery, which in sternal fractures affects every breath and nearly every movement
- Mental anguish from the injury, hospitalization, and any cardiac complications
- Treatment costs for concurrent rib fractures, pulmonary contusion, or pneumothorax
Cases involving cardiac contusion, displaced sternal fractures requiring surgery, aortic injury, or companion rib fractures with pulmonary complications produce substantially higher claim values than isolated non-displaced sternal fractures. See also: broken rib settlements and broken femur settlements.
Common Questions
Broken Sternum Car Accident Settlement FAQs
How much is a broken sternum car accident case worth in Texas?
The value depends significantly on whether cardiac contusion occurred and required monitoring, whether surgical fixation was needed, whether companion rib fractures were present, and the duration and severity of the pain and functional limitation during recovery. Cases with cardiac complications, hospitalization, and companion injuries produce higher values than isolated non-displaced sternal fractures managed outpatient. A free consultation based on your specific injury and medical record can provide a more realistic assessment.
I was in the hospital for cardiac monitoring after my sternal fracture. Is that covered?
Yes. Hospitalization for cardiac monitoring following a sternal fracture is the standard of care, not an elective choice. The inpatient costs, cardiologist consultation, EKG monitoring, troponin testing, and any cardiac treatment required during that stay are all compensable medical expenses in a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver.
What if the insurance company says no surgery was required so the case is minor?
Surgical necessity is one factor in claim value, but it is not the threshold for a significant claim. A sternal fracture with cardiac contusion requiring hospitalization, 8 to 12 weeks of severe chest pain, inability to work, and companion rib fractures represents a significant injury even without surgical repair of the sternum itself. The complete medical record, not just the absence of surgery, tells the full story.
Can I recover for heart-related treatment after a sternal fracture?
Yes. Cardiac contusion from a sternal fracture is a recognized traumatic injury, and all medical treatment caused by it is compensable. EKG monitoring, troponin testing, cardiologist consultation, antiarrhythmic medication, and any cardiac follow-up required because of the crash-related contusion are all recoverable as medical expenses in the personal injury claim.
How long do I have to file a sternal fracture car accident claim in Texas?
Two years from the date of the crash under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003. The practical goal is to complete treatment and reach maximum medical improvement before settling, which for sternal fractures with cardiac complications may take 3 to 6 months from the injury date.
Client Testimonials
What Our Clients Say
Real Google reviews from people we’ve represented. Each name links to the original post.
I had a great experience with the Adley Law Firm and would recommend them to anyone that needs help with their personal injury case.
I highly recommend Adley Law firm, they were very professional, friendly and worked diligently to obtain a favorable outcome for my case. Thank you Juan for always making yourself available to answer any questions or concerns and keeping me informed with updates.
I really appreciate everyone at Adley Law Firm, especially Kevin, for being so patient and thorough in helping me get through the legal process. Kevin was always available to answer all my questions no matter how small. I highly recommend them if you are in need of a personal injury attorney.
Thank you Jon and Yankel did a great job on my case really appreciate their hard work and kept me up to date
I had an excellent experience with Adley Law Firm. From the very beginning, their team was professional, approachable, and truly attentive to my needs. They took the time to listen, explain my options, and provide guidance every step of the way. I highly recommend their services.
If you ever get in an auto accident I recommend Adley law firm!!! They get you what you deserve!!
Why Adley Law Firm
Representing Texas Sternal Fracture Victims
Adley Law Firm represents people with sternal fractures and thoracic injuries from car accidents throughout Texas. Founded by Kevin Adley, Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law. No upfront costs, no fees unless we recover. Call (713) 999-8669.
Our Houston Office
1421 Preston St, Houston, TX 77002(713) 999-8669 · Get DirectionsWe represent broken sternum car accident clients throughout Texas.
Houston Office
1421 Preston St, Houston, TX 77002
Near the Harris County courthouse in downtown Houston. Free parking available nearby.
Statewide Cases
We handle cases throughout Texas
Sternal fracture cases from across Texas may be handled remotely from our Houston office. Most initial consultations are by phone. We coordinate everything remotely when an in-person visit to our Houston office is not practical.
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Broken Sternum From a Texas Car Accident? Cardiac Complications May Be Hiding Behind the Fracture.
Sternal fractures require cardiac monitoring and often come with rib fractures and pulmonary complications the insurer ignores. We build the complete claim. No fees unless we recover.