There is no average settlement for a fractured sternum because the value of every claim depends on factors that are unique to the situation. These include the severity of your injuries, the extent of your medical expenses, and any income you missed out on as a result.
The long-term impact that your fractured sternum will have on your life is also taken into consideration when calculating a fair settlement amount. For help understanding what your case is worth, contact a Marietta personal injury lawyer.
Why There is No Average Settlement for a Fractured Sternum
One of the first questions people ask after suffering a fractured sternum is, “How much is my case worth?” While that’s completely understandable, there isn’t a standard settlement amount that applies to every case.
Every fractured sternum claim is different because every accident, every injury, and every person’s recovery is different.
Someone who suffers a minor fracture that heals within a few months will likely have a different claim than somebody who:
- Requires surgery
- Develops long-term complications
- Cannot return to work for an extended period
Settlement values can range from tens of thousands of dollars to substantially more when the injury causes permanent limitations or is accompanied by other serious injuries.
Rather than focusing on an average number you found online, it’s much more helpful to understand the factors that determine the value of your specific claim.
What Affects the Value of a Fractured Sternum Settlement?
Insurance companies look at many different factors before making a settlement offer. Some increase the value of a claim, while others may reduce what the insurer is willing to pay.
These are examples of important factors in your case:
- The severity of the fracture
- Whether surgery was necessary
- Hospitalization and emergency treatment
- Future medical care
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost income from missing work
- Reduced earning capacity
- Permanent pain or disability
- Emotional distress
- Whether you share any responsibility for the accident
A fractured sternum often occurs because of significant force, meaning it is frequently accompanied by additional injuries.
Broken ribs, spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, internal organ damage, and shoulder injuries can dramatically increase the overall value of a personal injury claim because they require additional treatment and often extend the recovery period.
Parts of Your Life That a Fractured Sternum Can Affect
Many people initially assume that a settlement only covers hospital expenses. In reality, Georgia law allows injured victims to pursue damages for many different losses caused by another person’s negligence. Medical expenses are certainly one important part of a claim.
Emergency transportation, imaging studies, surgeries, medications, specialist visits, follow-up appointments, and rehabilitation costs can add up quickly. However, medical expenses are only part of the picture.
A fractured sternum can make even simple daily activities extremely painful:
- Breathing deeply
- Coughing
- Laughing
- Sleeping comfortably
- Lifting objects
- Driving
- Getting dressed
Many people are unable to return to work while they recover. Others may return but struggle with physical limitations that reduce their productivity or require changes to their job duties.
Georgia law allows injured victims to seek damages for losses such as:
- Past medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning ability
- Physical pain
- Emotional suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or impairment
Our lawyers work to document every way your injury has affected your life so the insurance company cannot overlook losses that deserve to be included in your claim.
What if You Don’t Have Health Insurance?
One of the biggest hesitations we hear about from our clients is that they can’t afford medical treatment after an accident. Some people avoid seeking medical care because they’re worried about the costs of treatment.
Unfortunately, if you wait to receive treatment, this can put your health at risk and affect your personal injury claim. Even so, we understand your concerns, as we help people facing the same worries every day.
If you don’t have health insurance, we’ll connect you with healthcare providers who are willing to work with injured accident victims. Our goal is to remove as many obstacles as possible so you can focus on healing rather than worrying about your finances.
Contact Jones & Swanson Today for Help Understanding the Average Settlements for Fractured Sternums
If you’ve sustained a fractured sternum, it’s normal to wonder what the average settlement is in a case like yours. Instead of trying to figure everything out on your own, call Jones & Swanson as soon as possible.
The sooner you reach out to us, the more time we’ll have to focus on your case and look into options for financial recovery on your behalf. As a dedicated and compassionate advocate for victims of personal injury, our clients can expect exceptional service and honest advice.
We return our clients’ phone calls because we prioritize personal service. As hometown-grown attorneys, we won’t treat you like another number. You’re important to us, and you will have a specific team assigned to your case. Contact us today for help.
