Ribs – Injury Claim Worth_.

Based on the following sampling of case law, the range for general damages awarded for suffering from rib injuries as a result of an accident is between $3,384 – $76,683  [adjusted for 2023 inflation rates]. The general damage award amounts for each individual case below have not been adjusted for inflation. For your convenience, the Bank of Canada Inflation Calculator can be accessed here.

As described in our General Damages Guide, these awards are only for general damages which compensate you for your pain and suffering. There are other types of damages that you may be entitled to claim, such as lost income and medical care costs, depending on the circumstances of your case. To assess the total value of your injury claim, try our Injury Claim Calculator or book a free consultation.

Injury Claim Calculator

The case law

Harris v. Xu, 2013 BCSC 1257

• The 62-year-old plaintiff suffered injuries as a result of a broadside collision. She suffered fractured ribs, as well as significant soft tissue injuries to her neck, shoulder, and back. Her symptoms of previously asymptomatic degenerative disc disease were aggravated by the accident. The evidence failed to establish that the accident caused a concussion, carpal tunnel syndrome, damage to her teeth, or high blood pressure. Within one year of the accident she had largely recovered, but she continued to suffer from chronic pain in her neck. Her symptoms caused limitations on her activities and affected her personal relationships. She was awarded $60,000 in general damages.

Grier v. Saadzoi, 2009 BCSC 478

• The plaintiff, a 20-year-old garden store worker, was injured as a result of a motor vehicle accident. Her car was damaged beyond repair. She suffered soft tissue injuries to her neck, shoulder and rib area. Although her soft tissue injuries resolved, the pain in her rib area continued. The rib injury was caused by the accident, and the symptoms of the injury were expected to continue on a permanent basis, with a modest impairment of her overall capacity. Her ongoing symptoms would prevent her from taking advantage of some employment opportunities that would have been open to her prior to the accident. She was awarded $36,000 in general damages.

Rho v. Madigan, 2004 CarswellOnt 6470

• The 54-year-old plaintiff suffered injuries as a result of a boating accident. He suffered an injury to his ribs, and his wife was thrown into the water. At the time of the accident, he could not move his arm or upper body, and had great difficulty helping his wife out of the water. He was treated at hospital and released. After the accident, he suffered persistent pain in his chest.  An examination confirmed that he had suffered four fractured ribs. His symptoms lasted for more than one year after the accident, after which he was fully recovered. He was awarded $6,000 in general damages.

Dwyer v. Allen’s Ltd., 2001 CanLII 37658 (NL SC)

• The 48-year-old plaintiff fell on the sidewalk while drunk and grabbed onto the undercarriage of a pickup truck to avoid being run over. He was dragged along the street before falling to the pavement. He suffered 3 fractured ribs, tears in his liver, and a mild contusion of his kidneys. He required 2 operations and was left with a long scar on his stomach. He recovered within 3 months of the accident. General damages were assessed at $20,000, but the award was reduced by 50% for the plaintiff’s contributory negligence.

Lynch Estate v. Anderson, 1999 CanLII 19133 (NL SC)

• The plaintiff was seated in the rear passenger seat of a vehicle when an accident occurred. She suffered multiple rib fractures and extensive bruising to the left side of her face. She continued to experience pain for years after the accident, but her activities were not restricted. She received $18,000 in general damages.

Morrison v. Rigger Drilling Supply Ltd., 1999 ABQB 386

• The plaintiff was injured when a collision between two motor vehicles occurred in an intersection directly in front of her and one of the vehicles collided with her vehicle. She suffered a broken rib with associated lower chest bruising and pain. She had asthma prior to the accident, and the accident was found to have caused the onset of an asthma attack seven weeks later. She received $2,000 in general damages for her broken rib and an additional $5,000 for the asthma attack.