Symptoms Of A Fractured Sternum

Apr 28, 2026 |

A fractured sternum, or broken breastbone, is a painful injury that most commonly results from a forceful blow to the chest during a car accident, fall, or other traumatic event. The symptoms can range from sharp chest pain and difficulty breathing to visible bruising and swelling over the center of your chest.

Don’t wait to seek medical attention; ignoring symptoms can lead to serious complications.

What Are the Symptoms Of A Fractured Sternum?

A broken sternum produces several recognizable symptoms, though some may not appear until hours after the initial impact. If you’ve taken a hard hit to the chest in any accident, watch closely for the following signs:

Sharp or sudden pain in the center of your chest
Pain that worsens when breathing deeply, coughing, laughing, or sneezing
Tenderness when the breastbone is touched
Visible bruising or swelling over the sternum
Shortness of breath or difficulty taking a full breath
A crunching or grinding sensation in the chest area
Pain when twisting, bending, or moving your upper body
Stiffness or discomfort in the shoulders and upper back
A visible deformity or “step” in the breastbone in severe cases

What Are the Causes of Sternum Fractures?

Sternum fractures result from significant blunt force to the chest, and motor vehicle collisions account for the majority of cases. The force of a seatbelt, airbag, or steering wheel impact during a crash can deliver more than enough pressure to break the breastbone:

Car accidents
Truck accidents
Motorcycle crashes
Pedestrian accidents
Bicycle accidents
Rideshare collisions
Falls from heights, including ladders and scaffolding
Workplace accidents involving heavy equipment or falling objects
Contact sports injuries
Slip and fall incidents

Is a Fractured Sternum Serious?

A sternum fracture should always be taken seriously because the breastbone sits directly over the heart and lungs. According to the National Library of Medicine, sternal fractures are commonly associated with other injuries, including pulmonary contusions, cardiac damage, and rib fractures, all of which may require immediate medical attention.

How Do You Treat a Fractured Sternum?

Most sternum fractures heal on their own within 8 to 12 weeks with rest, pain management, and breathing exercises to keep the lungs clear. In severe cases where the sternum is displaced or unstable, surgery may be necessary to realign and stabilize it so it can heal properly.

What Losses Can I Recover Due to a Sternum Injury?

If another person’s negligence caused your sternum fracture, Texas law allows you to pursue compensation for a range of losses. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003, you generally have two years from the date of your sternum fracture injury to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit for your economic and non-economic damages, including:

Emergency room and hospital bills
Surgical costs and follow-up care
Physical therapy and rehabilitation
Lost wages during recovery
Reduced earning capacity if the injury limits your ability to work
Household service costs during recovery
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Out-of-pocket costs such as prescription medications, transportation, and home care assistance

Speak to Our San Antonio Personal Injury Lawyers at Gamez Law Firm Today

Is a sternum fracture from someone else’s negligence keeping you from working, sleeping, or simply breathing without pain? Waiting to take action can allow valuable evidence to disappear and may put your claim at risk as deadlines approach.

Contact our personal injury lawyers at Gamez Law Firm to schedule a free consultation. Our Texas personal injury lawyers will investigate the cause of your injury, calculate the full value of your losses, and work to hold the negligent party or entity accountable.

We serve all areas in San Antonio and throughout Texas.

Gamez Law Firm

2943 Mossrock, San Antonio, TX 78230

(210) 736-4040

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