I injured my breastbone in a car accident and want to know if I am entitled to claim sternum injury compensation?
Eoin P. Campbell, LL.B., Solicitor
Editor in Chief
Provided that the injury you sustained was due to another party’s negligence you should be able to claim sternum injury compensation. There are circumstances in which the amount you are entitled to could be reduced, such as if you were partially responsible for the accident or if you waited for a significant period until seeking medical attention or if you accept an unsolicited offer of compensation from the negligent party’s insurance company. However, with the assistance of an experienced solicitor who can review your case and recommend whether it is one worth pursuing, you could be fully compensated for your sternum injury.
It is important that you sought medical treatment from a professional medical practitioner as soon after the accident occurred as physically possible. As mentioned above, a delay in medical treatment can possibly see your compensation settlement reduced by up to 25%. The reason for this could be an accusation that you exacerbated your injury through your own lack of care.
It would be beneficial to your sternum injury compensation claim if you had carried out these procedures; that you exchanged insurance and personal details with all of those involved in the accident and collected the details of any witnesses and that you reported your accident to the Gardai if they did not attend the scene.
If the negligent party’s insurers approach you with an early offer of sternum injury compensation, before you have time to consider your claim, you would be well advised to refer it to a solicitor who can determine whether or not it is a fair and accurate representation of your injuries and the impact they have had on your life. Along with being compensated for the pain and suffering caused by your injury, other factors – such your loss of amenity – should be taken into consideration that may not be included in the insurance company’s offer to you.
Regardless of an unsolicited offer, an experienced solicitor would be able to answer any questions you may have on the circumstances of your sternum injury compensation claim and can recommend whether it is viable or not.