If you have slipped and fallen, you need to be aware of the warning signs of a rib fracture. According to WebMD.com, the symptoms of a broken rib include the following:
- Pain in the injured area
- Breathing pain
- Pain when pressure is placed on the breastbone
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
Rib fractures are rarely life threatening, but these injuries are still painful and can lead to other problems. The ribs provide protection to internal organs and many sensitive structures. A broken rib can therefore cause many complications.
A rib fracture could injure an underlying organ. For example, a lower broken rib could result in injury to abdominal organs. When a left lower rib is fractured, it could cause splenic injuries, while a right lower rib fracture could lead to liver injuries. Some of the other complications associated with rib fractures include:
- Atelectasis
- Pneumonia
- Ventilatory insufficiency
- Hemothorax
- Pneumothorax
- Hypoxia
- Lung injuries
- Brachial plexus
By law, property owners and business owners are required to keep their premises free of dangers. However, too often property owners are negligent and this carelessness can result in injuries. If your slip and fall or trip and fall accident was the result of the property owner’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. This compensation could include lost income, medical expenses, pain and suffering, mental anguish and more.
For more information regarding what to do after a fall accident, contact an experienced Los Angeles accident attorney at Steinberg Injury Lawyers at (800)989-6385. We have successfully resolved more than 12,000 injury cases and can help you.
