Cesar Cobo | January 21, 2026 | Car Accidents
A broken sternum, also known as a sternal fracture, represents one of the most serious chest injuries that can occur in a car accident. This injury affects the breastbone that protects vital organs and connects your ribcage, often resulting in significant pain, breathing difficulties, and long-term complications.
In Georgia, victims of sternum fractures from car accidents typically recover settlements ranging from $15,000 to $450,000 depending on injury severity and case circumstances. Understanding your rights after suffering a sternum fracture in a Georgia car accident is crucial for securing fair compensation.
The complex nature of these injuries, combined with Georgia’s specific legal framework, makes professional legal guidance essential for maximizing your potential recovery. Working with an experienced Augusta car accident lawyer can help ensure the full medical and financial impact of a broken sternum is properly reflected in your claim.
How Does a Sternum Break in a Car Accident?
The sternum can fracture in several ways during a motor vehicle collision, with the most common causes being:
- Seatbelt trauma occurs when the force of impact causes the seatbelt to press against the chest with tremendous pressure. While seatbelts save lives, they can also cause serious injuries during high-impact crashes.
- Airbag deployment represents another frequent cause of sternum fractures. A sternum fracture from airbag impact happens when the rapidly inflating safety device strikes the chest with significant force, particularly in close-proximity crashes where occupants are thrown forward.
- Direct blunt force trauma can result when the steering wheel, dashboard, or other vehicle components make contact with the chest area. This type of injury often occurs in head-on collisions or when vehicles experience sudden deceleration.
The severity of sternum fractures varies significantly. Simple fractures may heal with rest and pain management, while complex fractures can involve displacement of bone fragments, damage to surrounding tissues, or complications affecting the heart and lungs.
Average Settlement for a Broken Sternum in Georgia
Determining the average settlement for broken sternum car accident cases in Georgia requires understanding that each case is unique and compensation varies widely based on specific circumstances. National data suggests that sternum fracture settlements typically range from $10,000 to $200,000, with some complex cases reaching higher amounts.
In Georgia specifically, fractured sternum settlement amounts depend on several key factors:
Economic damages include quantifiable financial losses:
- Medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Future medical care costs
Non-economic damages cover intangible losses:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Physical impairment and disability
Georgia car accident injury settlements for sternum fractures have shown the following general ranges based on injury severity:
| Injury Severity | Typical Settlement Range | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Minor fracture, conservative treatment | $15,000 – $50,000 | Limited medical care, quick recovery |
| Moderate fracture, extended treatment | $50,000 – $150,000 | Surgery, longer recovery period |
| Severe fracture, complications | $150,000 – $450,000+ | Permanent disability, ongoing care |
These figures represent general ranges and actual settlements can vary significantly based on individual circumstances.
Key Factors That Influence Settlement Amounts
Severity of Injury and Medical Treatment
The extent of your sternum fracture directly impacts potential compensation. Simple, non-displaced fractures that heal with rest and pain medication typically result in lower settlements compared to complex injuries requiring surgical intervention.
Surgical cases involving sternum repair often command higher settlements due to increased medical expenses, extended recovery periods, greater pain and suffering, and higher risk of complications.
Compensation also considers concurrent injuries. Victims often suffer additional trauma such as rib fractures, lung contusions, or cardiac damage, which can significantly increase settlement values.
Impact on Daily Life and Work
Your ability to return to normal activities plays a crucial role in determining compensation. Sternum fractures can affect work capacity, daily activities, recreation, and emotional well-being through chronic pain and limitations.
Documentation from medical professionals, employers, and family members helps establish the full scope of how your injury has affected your life and supports higher compensation demands.
Fault and Comparative Negligence in Georgia
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33. If you’re found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you’re 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation.
For example, if your case settles for $100,000 but you’re found 20% at fault, your recovery would be reduced to $80,000. This rule highlights why experienced legal counsel is essential for protecting your interests and maximizing recovery.
Factors That Determine Settlement Amounts in Georgia
Settlement amounts for broken sternum cases in Georgia vary significantly based on the specific circumstances of each case. Understanding the key factors that influence compensation can help you better evaluate your potential claim.
Injury severity plays the primary role in determining settlement value. Minor fractures that heal with conservative treatment typically result in lower compensation, while complex fractures requiring surgery or causing permanent limitations command higher settlements.
Medical expenses form the foundation of economic damages and include emergency care, diagnostic imaging, surgical procedures, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment costs. Georgia law allows recovery of both current and future medical expenses related to your sternum fracture.
Lost income and earning capacity represent another significant component of economic damages. This includes wages lost during recovery, reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous work, and future income losses if your injury causes permanent limitations.
Pain and suffering damages account for the physical discomfort, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life caused by your injury. These non-economic damages often represent a substantial portion of sternum fracture settlements in Georgia.
How to Strengthen Your Car Accident Injury Claim in Georgia
Taking the right steps after your accident can significantly impact your potential settlement. Seek immediate medical attention, even if symptoms seem minor, as sternum fractures can have delayed symptoms and early documentation creates a clear medical record linking your injury to the accident.
Document everything thoroughly including photographs of the accident scene and vehicles, contact information for all parties and witnesses, police report details, and all medical records and bills related to your treatment.
Maintain detailed records of how your injury affects daily life through a journal documenting pain levels, activity limitations, and emotional impacts. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies without legal representation, as adjusters may use your words to minimize your claim value.
Don’t accept early settlement offers without consulting an attorney, as insurance companies often make quick, low offers before you understand the full extent of your injuries and damages.
Reach out to our attorneys to evaluate your case and ensure you’re taking the right steps to protect your interests.
Why Work with a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer?
Local knowledge of Georgia courts and procedures gives experienced attorneys a significant advantage in handling your case. We understand how local judges rule on similar cases and what arguments resonate with Georgia juries.
Negotiation expertise and litigation experience provide leverage during settlement discussions. Insurance companies offer higher settlements to attorneys they know will go to court if necessary to achieve fair compensation.
Access to medical experts and accident reconstruction specialists helps build compelling cases that explain the full extent of your injuries and how they occurred.
Our team has secured millions in compensation for Georgia accident victims and handles all aspects of your case while you focus on healing.
Contact our lawyers today for a free consultation to discuss your broken sternum car accident case.
Resources and Authority Sources
For additional information about car accident injuries and your rights in Georgia, we recommend consulting these authoritative sources:
- Georgia Department of Public Health – Traffic injury prevention and safety statistics
- Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety – Accident data and safety initiatives
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Motor vehicle injury prevention resources
- American College of Emergency Physicians – Chest trauma medical information
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average payout for a broken sternum in Georgia?
Settlement amounts vary significantly based on injury severity and case circumstances. Simple fractures typically settle between $15,000-$75,000, while complex cases with surgery and complications can reach $150,000-$450,000 or more. Factors like lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering all influence the final amount.
Can I sue for pain and suffering after a chest injury?
Yes, Georgia law allows you to recover compensation for pain and suffering in addition to economic damages. Non-economic damages for sternum fractures can represent a significant portion of your total settlement, especially in cases involving ongoing pain, activity restrictions, or emotional trauma.
How long does it take to settle a broken sternum case?
Most sternum fracture cases settle within 6-18 months after the accident, though complex cases may take longer. The timeline depends on the extent of your medical treatment, recovery progress, and negotiation complexity. Cases requiring surgery or involving permanent disabilities typically take longer to resolve.
Do airbags commonly cause sternum fractures?
While airbags save thousands of lives annually, they can cause sternum fractures, particularly in high-speed crashes or when occupants are positioned too close to the deployment zone. Medical research indicates that sternal fractures occur in 3-8% of patients with blunt chest trauma from vehicle collisions, with airbag-related chest injuries representing a smaller subset of these cases.
What type of lawyer handles sternum injury claims?
Personal injury attorneys who specialize in car accident cases handle sternum injury claims. Look for lawyers with specific experience in chest injury cases and a track record of successful settlements. Board certification in personal injury law and membership in trial lawyer associations indicate relevant expertise.