Broken Sternum Car Accident Settlements in Texas

Hurt In A Car Wreck? Call The Trusted Injury Lawyers At The Adley Law Firm Today

Average Payout for a Broken or Fractured Sternum Claims in Texas

If you suffered a broken or fractured sternum in a Texas car accident, you may be entitled to compensation. A sternum fracture (broken breastbone) is a serious chest injury that can be both painful and costly. When filing a claim, it is important to know that your legal options can vary widely based on a large number of factors such as liability under Texas law, insurance coverage, treatment and recovery, all of which affect your compensation. When trying to understand your rights, the Adley Law Firm can help – with free consultations, a contingency fee policy, and bilingual (Spanish-speaking) staff ready to assist.

• Average Broken Sternum Settlement in Texas
• Proving Liability in a Texas Car Accident
• Insurance (UM/UIM) and Product Liability Factors
• Treatment, Recovery Time & Long-Term Effects
• Factors Affecting Fractured Sternum Compensation
• Why Choose Adley Law Firm?
• Free Consultation & Contact Information

Average Settlement for a Broken Sternum After a Car Accident

Broken sternum car accident settlements can vary widely. There is no single “standard” amount, as each case depends on its unique facts. Many fractured sternum injury claims in Texas settle anywhere from tens of thousands of dollars into the hundreds of thousands. Settlements for broken bones from car accidents in Texas often range from around $15,000 up to $250,000 or more, depending on severity and other factors. Many moderate injury cases (where a sternum fracture heals with routine treatment) might fall on the lower end (perhaps in the $20,000–$100,000 range), whereas more severe cases (multiple fractures, complications, or lasting impairment) can reach six figures or higher. In fact, in one lawsuit involving a fractured sternum with additional injuries, a jury awarded about $200,000 to the victim​. In rare, extreme cases – especially those involving catastrophic injuries or multiple defendants – fractured sternum compensation could even approach seven figures (over $1,000,000)​.

It’s important to emphasize that every personal injury case is different. The outcome depends on factors like who was at fault, the extent of your injuries, the total damages (medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, etc.), and the available insurance coverage. Two people with similar sternum fractures might receive very different settlements if, for instance, one had additional complications or if the at-fault driver’s insurance limits were low. In Texas, factors such as the comparative fault rules and even the county where the case is filed can influence settlement value. Ultimately, any broken sternum car accident settlement must be evaluated on its own merits. An experienced attorney can review the specifics of your case to give you a better idea of its potential value.

Proving Liability in a Texas Car Accident (Who’s at Fault?)

To recover compensation for a broken sternum after a car accident in Texas, you must prove that another party was liable (at fault) for the crash. Texas follows an at-fault system for car accidents, meaning the driver or party who caused the accident is responsible for the damages. Texas law uses a modified comparative negligence rule (often called the “51% bar rule”)​. Under this rule, you can recover damages as long as you are 50% or less at fault for the accident, but if you are found 51% or more responsible, you cannot recover anything​. Moreover, if you were partially at fault (50% or less), any award you receive would be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault for the collision (perhaps due to a minor traffic violation) and the total damages are $100,000, your recovery could be reduced by 20% (so you’d receive $80,000).

Proving the other driver’s negligence is crucial to your case. In practice, this means gathering evidence that the other driver or another third party caused the accident through careless or reckless behavior. Common examples of negligence include speeding, running a red light or stop sign, texting while driving (distracted driving), following too closely, or drunk driving. Evidence to establish fault can include:

• Police accident reports: Officers often investigate serious crashes. The crash report may indicate who violated traffic laws or was at fault.
• Witness statements: Passengers or bystanders might have seen the other driver’s actions (e.g. “Driver X ran the red light”). Their testimony can support your claim.
• Traffic camera or surveillance footage: In urban areas like Houston, cameras at intersections or nearby businesses might have video of the crash.
• Vehicle damage analysis: The pattern of damage on the cars, skid marks, and debris can be examined by accident reconstruction experts to determine how the crash occurred and who likely caused it.
• Citations or charges: If the other driver was ticketed or arrested (for example, a DUI or reckless driving charge), that can strongly indicate fault (negligence per se).

In Texas, establishing clear liability is half the battle. The insurance companies will carefully review who was at fault. If fault is disputed, it can delay or reduce your settlement, or even result in a trial if an agreement can’t be reached. It’s worth noting that if liability is not clear-cut, the value of the case may be lower or an insurer may refuse to pay until fault is proven. In one illustrative case (in another state), a plaintiff with a fractured sternum and other injuries actually received nothing from a jury because the defense successfully contested who caused the crash. (In that situation, there was a “phantom vehicle” and a dispute about a hit-and-run, which made the jury doubt the plaintiff’s story, even though the injuries were real.) This underscores that having strong evidence of the other driver’s fault is essential to recover compensation.

Texas’s negligence laws also allow for multiple parties to share fault. For example, in a multi-car pileup on a Houston freeway, more than one driver might be partially responsible. You could still recover against one or all of them as long as each is not exonerated and your own share of fault stays 50% or below. Each liable party would pay their percentage of fault in the damages. Determining fault in these complex scenarios often requires skilled legal analysis and possibly accident reconstruction experts.

To bolster your claim, it’s wise to consult a Texas car accident attorney early. At Adley Law Firm, our team will thoroughly investigate your accident – obtaining crash reports, talking to witnesses, preserving any video evidence, and working with experts if needed – to build a strong case that the other party’s negligence caused your broken sternum and other injuries. We understand Texas traffic laws and have experience proving fault in a wide range of accident scenarios, from typical fender-benders to serious highway collisions. Our goal is to leave no doubt as to liability, so you can pursue the full compensation you deserve.

Treatment, Recovery Time, and Long-Term Effects of a Sternum Fracture

A broken sternum is a significant injury that typically results from high-force impact to the chest (often the seatbelt or steering wheel in a car crash). Proper medical treatment and understanding the recovery process are important for your health – and documenting this will also play a role in your injury claim. Here’s what to expect in terms of treatment, healing, and potential long-term effects of a fractured sternum:

Emergency care: After the accident, if a sternum fracture is suspected, you’ll likely undergo imaging tests. A chest X-ray or CT scan can confirm a sternum fracture. Because the sternum protects vital organs like the heart and lungs, doctors will also check for associated injuries – such as cardiac contusion (bruising of the heart), pulmonary contusion (bruised lung), or damage to blood vessels. In severe crashes, about 10% of patients with sternal fractures may have concurrent cardiac injuries that require monitoring. Fortunately, most sternum fractures are isolated bone injuries, but careful evaluation is needed.

Typical treatment: The majority of sternum fractures are treated conservatively (non-surgically). Unlike a limb, you can’t easily cast the chest, so treatment focuses on rest, pain management, and allowing the bone to heal naturally. You’ll be advised to avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, or movements that aggravate the chest. Pain is managed with medications (NSAIDs, and possibly stronger painkillers initially). Deep breathing and coughing can be very painful with a broken sternum, but it’s important to do breathing exercises (sometimes with a spirometer) to prevent lung complications like pneumonia. You might be given a supportive brace or wrap for comfort, though complete immobilization isn’t typically possible. If breathing is too painful, a nerve block or epidural analgesia might be used in the hospital to control pain.

Recovery time: Healing for a fractured sternum generally takes around 8 to 12 weeks for the bone to mend in an uncomplicated case​. During this time, the broken ends of the bone gradually fuse back together. You’ll likely have follow-up X-rays to ensure the bone is aligning and healing well. In the first few weeks, pain is usually significant, requiring rest and limited movement. By weeks 4–6, many patients see improvement in pain and can slowly increase light activities. By 8–10 weeks, the bone is often largely healed, though heavy physical strain might still be restricted until week 12 or beyond. Everyone’s healing timeline can differ – factors like age, overall health, and whether there were complications affect recovery. Younger, healthy individuals may heal closer to 6-8 weeks, whereas older adults or those with osteoporosis may take longer. It’s important not to rush back into strenuous activity, as reinjury is possible if the bone hasn’t fully solidified.

When is surgery needed? Most sternum fractures do not require surgery. But if the fracture is severely displaced (the broken pieces are significantly out of alignment) or if bone fragments threaten to damage organs, surgical intervention might be necessary. Surgery could involve wiring the sternum or installing small plates and screws to stabilize the bone (a procedure called open reduction and internal fixation). Surgery is also considered if the sternum fracture results in an unstable chest or if it’s not healing properly (non-union). If surgery is performed, recovery might take longer overall, since you have to heal from the operation as well (incision healing, etc.), and you may need physical therapy afterward to rebuild strength in chest muscles.

Rehabilitation and follow-up: Whether or not you have surgery, you might benefit from physical therapy once the initial healing is underway. Physical therapy can help improve your range of motion in the chest and shoulders, strengthen supporting muscles, and ensure you regain normal function. Breathing exercises are often part of rehab if there were any pulmonary issues or if you were guarding your breathing due to pain. Compliance with your doctors’ instructions is critical – not just for your health, but also to show in your legal case that you did everything possible to recover (mitigating damages).

Long-term effects and complications: Many people make a full recovery from a broken sternum with no long-term issues, especially if it was a simple fracture and they received proper care. However, some possible long-term effects include:

• Chronic pain or discomfort: Some patients have lingering anterior chest pain or tenderness even after the bone heals. This could be due to minor malalignment, scar tissue, or costochondral cartilage damage. The pain might flare up with weather changes or strain.
• Chest wall deformity: In rare cases, if the bone heals improperly, there could be a slight deformity or protrusion at the fracture site. This is uncommon for sternum, more so if not treated or if multiple fractures occurred.
• Reduced range of motion or strength: After months of limited activity, some people experience stiffness in the chest or shoulder area. Usually therapy can overcome this. It’s important to do the recommended exercises.
• Internal complications: If the impact that broke your sternum also caused internal injuries (like heart or lung injury), those could have lasting effects. For example, a heart contusion in a severe case might lead to arrhythmias that need follow-up. A lung injury could lead to scarring. These complications would elevate the severity of the case.
• Psychological trauma: A serious car accident can leave mental scars as well. It’s not uncommon for crash victims to experience anxiety about driving, or even PTSD symptoms (nightmares, flashbacks of the crash). While not a “physical” effect of the sternum fracture, these mental health impacts are very real and are considered in pain and suffering damages.

Overall, though, if properly treated, a sternum fracture by itself is usually expected to heal without major long-term disability. It’s not like a spinal cord injury or brain injury which can permanently alter life. However, the recovery period can be intensely painful and disruptive, and even after healing, some patients report intermittent chest pain or sensitivity for years.

Documenting treatment and recovery for your claim: It’s crucial to keep records of all medical treatment – hospital bills, doctor visits, medication receipts, therapy records, etc. Also, note any ways the injury affected your daily life: for instance, if you couldn’t lift your children, had to sleep upright in a chair for weeks, or missed important events because of your injury. These details help demonstrate the pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life you endured, which are compensable. Journaling your pain levels and limitations during recovery can be useful evidence as well. The law firm will use this information to build a narrative of how this sternum injury impacted you physically, emotionally, and financially.

In summary, healing from a broken sternum typically takes 2–3 months with proper care. Most people recover fully, but it’s a challenging injury in the short term. Always follow your healthcare provider’s advice. Your well-being comes first, and from a legal perspective, getting appropriate treatment also helps ensure that your fractured sternum compensation claim accounts for all necessary medical care and any potential future issues. If you do have any permanent or long-lasting effects, those will be factored into the compensation (for example, if chronic pain is expected to continue, or if you had to change jobs due to physical limitations).

Factors That Impact Injury Compensation

Every car accident injury claim is evaluated based on several key factors. When determining the potential value of a fractured sternum injury settlement or verdict, insurance adjusters (and if it goes to trial, juries) will consider the following:

• Severity of the Injury: Not all sternum fractures are equal. A simple nondisplaced fracture (hairline crack that heals on its own in 6-8 weeks) will generally be valued lower than a comminuted, displaced fracture that required surgery or caused complications. If your sternum fracture led to serious issues (like damage to your heart or lungs, or other broken bones), the case value rises substantially because the overall injury severity is greater.
• Medical Treatment and Bills: The total cost of your medical care is a significant component. High medical bills (ER visit, hospitalization, imaging scans, possibly ICU if there were complications, surgery costs, follow-up visits, physical therapy, medications) typically lead to higher settlements because they are concrete economic damages. Even if you had insurance that paid some bills, the full cost is considered in the claim (often, your health insurer will be reimbursed out of the settlement). Make sure all treatment is documented. Also include related expenses like medical devices (braces, etc.) or travel costs for treatment.
• Lost Income and Earning Capacity: If your broken sternum caused you to miss work, you can claim those lost wages. For instance, if you were out of work for 2 months during recovery, calculate the salary or income you lost. Provide pay stubs or employer letters to verify. If the injury has longer-term effects on your ability to work (say you can’t perform heavy physical duties you used to, and must take a lower-paying job), that reduced earning capacity can be compensated as well. This is especially relevant if you have lasting physical limitations or pain that interferes with your job. Even the time spent at doctor appointments or physical therapy (if it causes you to miss work) can be factored in.
• Pain and Suffering: This is often a major element of a sternum fracture case. Pain and suffering damages are harder to quantify, but they generally increase with the severity and duration of your pain. A broken sternum can cause excruciating pain with each breath or movement, often for many weeks​. Documenting your daily pain levels, the impact on sleep, and activities helps justify a higher pain and suffering award. Texas does not cap pain and suffering in auto cases, so this could be a significant amount. Juries have awarded large sums for pain in cases where the injury dramatically affected quality of life. While every case varies, you should seek an amount that truly reflects your personal experience of pain, discomfort, and emotional distress from the injury.
• Duration of Recovery and Long-Term Effects: If your recovery was prolonged or you have ongoing issues, compensation should be higher. Compare a case where someone healed in 8 weeks with no lingering problems versus someone who had 6+ months of complications or still has chest pain a year later. The latter deserves more compensation. Long-term or permanent effects (even something like a scar from surgery or a persistent slight pain) can increase the value. Juries and adjusters consider how your life was affected in the long run: Did you have to cancel a planned event? Did it strain your family life or hobbies (e.g., couldn’t play sports or pick up your kids)? These human factors matter.
• Clear Liability vs. Disputed Liability: As discussed, if there is no doubt the other party was 100% at fault (for example, you were stopped at a red light and got rear-ended by a drunk driver), your case is stronger and typically worth more. If liability is contested or shared, the “risk” of no recovery or reduced recovery goes up, which often lowers settlement values. Insurance companies will discount a claim if they think you might be partially to blame or if they see a chance a jury could go against you. Strong evidence of fault on the other side will force the insurer to pay closer to full value. If there was any argument about your responsibility, expect that to reflect in any settlement offers (this is where having a lawyer fight for you is vital to counter those arguments).
• Insurance Policy Limits: No matter how severe your injuries, the available insurance money often sets a practical cap on recovery. In Texas, minimum auto insurance is $30,000 per person – if the at-fault driver only has that, and no substantial personal assets, that $30k might be the most you can get from them. UM/UIM coverage from your side can extend that, but only up to your limits. If you have, say, $100k UIM, and your damages are $300k, you might still only recover $130k total (the $30k from the other driver + $100k from your UIM). Of course, if the at-fault driver or other defendants have larger policies (commercial vehicle cases often have $1 million policies, for example), then policy limits might not be a problem. Identifying all insurance coverage is key. Sometimes law firms discover additional policies (like an employer’s policy or a second layer umbrella policy) that can cover the loss.
• Venue (Location of the case): This is a subtle factor, but in Texas, the county or city where your case would be tried can influence the value. Some venues (like certain urban counties) are known to be more plaintiff-friendly, meaning juries might award more for injuries. Others might be more conservative. For instance, a case in Houston (Harris County) or Dallas County might yield a different jury outlook than a case in a very rural Texas county. Insurers know this and will factor it in when evaluating a settlement. That said, you usually don’t have a choice of venue beyond where the accident occurred or where defendants reside, but it’s something your attorney will be aware of in negotiations.
• Quality of Evidence and Legal Representation: Thorough documentation and a persuasive presentation of your case can raise its value. This includes medical evidence (doctor’s reports linking the sternum fracture to the accident and detailing your prognosis), expert opinions if needed, and your own testimony about your suffering. Having a reputable law firm with a track record shows the insurance company that you’re serious and prepared to go to trial if necessary. Insurance companies often offer higher settlements when a case is well-prepared and trial-ready, to avoid losing big at trial. At Adley Law Firm, we pride ourselves on preparing every case as if it may go to court, which often results in better settlement offers without even needing a trial.

All these factors interplay to determine the final compensation. For example, you might have a moderate injury but very clear fault and high medical bills – that could yield a strong settlement. Or you might have a severe injury but low insurance limits – that could constrain the payout. As your attorneys, our job is to highlight the positive factors (e.g. severity, impact on your life, defendant’s clear negligence) and mitigate any negative factors (like disputing any claim that you were partly at fault, or finding additional coverage to address policy limit issues). We strive to ensure that your fractured sternum case is valued properly and that you receive an amount that covers all your damages.

Why Choose Adley Law Firm for Your Broken Sternum Injury Case?

Choosing the right legal team can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. The Adley Law Firm is a Houston-based personal injury firm dedicated to helping accident victims across Texas. Here’s why victims of car accidents – including those with broken sternum injuries – turn to us:

• Experience and Results: We have over 30 years of experience handling personal injury cases in Texas​. Our attorneys have successfully recovered millions of dollars for injured clients in Houston and beyond. We are familiar with the tactics insurance companies use to undervalue claims, and we know how to counter them. Whether your case involves a straightforward rear-end collision or a complex scenario with multiple at-fault parties, our team has likely handled a similar situation.
• Texas Car Accident Law Knowledge: Our firm deals exclusively with injury cases, so we understand Texas laws and local court procedures inside and out. We keep up-to-date on any changes in statutes or relevant case law that could affect your claim. From navigating the proportionate responsibility rule to leveraging Texas-specific precedents for damages, we will use the law to your advantage. We have handled cases in Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and throughout the state – we know Texas roads and Texas juries.
• Personalized Attention: We recognize that every client’s story is unique. We will take the time to understand how your broken sternum and the accident have affected your life specifically. At Adley Law Firm, you’re not just a case number. You’ll work directly with dedicated attorneys and legal staff who will keep you informed and involved. We’ll answer your questions, explain your options, and provide honest advice at each step. Our goal is to relieve your stress, not add to it.
• Contingency Fee – No Win, No Fee: We believe everyone should have access to quality legal representation, regardless of financial situation. That’s why we offer a contingency fee arrangement. You pay nothing upfront for our services. We only get paid if and when we win your case (either through a settlement or verdict). Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, which we will discuss transparently. This means our interests are aligned – we are motivated to maximize your compensation. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing for attorney fees. This removes the risk for you and lets you focus on healing while we focus on your case.
• Free Consultations: We provide a free initial consultation to evaluate your case. If you’re wondering whether you have a valid claim, what it might be worth, or how to proceed, we invite you to reach out. In this free case review, we’ll listen to what happened, answer your questions, and outline the next steps – all at no charge and no obligation. This can even be done over the phone or via video if you prefer, especially if you are in pain or unable to travel due to your injuries.
• Bilingual Staff (Se Habla Español): Our team proudly serves the diverse community of Texas. We have fluent Spanish-speaking staff and attorneys available. If you or your loved one is more comfortable in Spanish, we can communicate in that language to ensure you fully understand your rights and case status. Todos nuestros clientes reciben la misma dedicación y apoyo, ya sea que hablen inglés o español.
• Client-Focused Approach: We know that being injured in a car accident is a traumatic experience. Beyond the physical pain of a fractured sternum, you might be dealing with anxiety, paperwork, insurance calls, and financial pressure. Our mission is to handle the legal burdens for you. We’ll negotiate with insurance companies, coordinate with medical providers regarding bills, and, if necessary, file a lawsuit and prepare for trial. We fight aggressively for our clients’ rights, but we also offer compassion and support during what is often a difficult time. Many clients appreciate that we treat them like family – with care, respect, and commitment.
• Proven Reputation in Houston and Texas: The Adley Law Firm has a strong reputation in the Houston area and throughout Texas. We are known by insurance adjusters and defense lawyers as zealous advocates for our clients. Our credibility can often encourage fair settlements because the opposition knows we are willing and able to take the case to court if needed. We are also active in the local community and legal circles, reinforcing our commitment to justice for Texans.

When you hire Adley Law Firm, you get a team that will stand by your side from start to finish. We will thoroughly investigate your car accident, gathering evidence of fault and documenting all your damages. We will craft a compelling case that tells your story and fight for every dollar you deserve – whether in settlement negotiations or in front of a jury. Our priority is to obtain the best possible outcome for you, so you can move forward with your life after a serious injury.

Get a Free Consultation – Contact Adley Law Firm Today

A broken sternum from a car accident can turn your life upside down, but you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. The Adley Law Firm is here to help injured individuals like you get the justice and compensation you need to rebuild your life. If you or a loved one suffered a fractured sternum (or any serious injury) in a car accident in Houston or anywhere in Texas, contact us for a FREE consultation.

Call us 24/7 to speak with our experienced personal injury attorneys. We will review the details of your accident, answer your questions about the legal process, and advise you on the best course of action – all at no cost to you. If you decide to hire us, remember that we work on a contingency fee basis, so there is no upfront fee and no payment unless we win.

At Adley Law Firm, we truly care about our clients. We know you’re going through a lot, and our goal is to make the legal process as smooth as possible while aggressively pursuing your case. Let us handle the insurance adjusters and legal complexities, while you focus on healing. Your consultation is free, and there’s no obligation – even if you just have questions and want to understand your rights, we’re happy to assist.

Take the first step toward justice and financial recovery. Call Adley Law Firm today.

Have more questions? Contact us at 713-999-8669 and we’ll be happy to provide answers and guidance. The Adley Law Firm is here to help you through every step after your car accident.