Testimonials

I don’t have any medical bills, I’m receiving revenue for my pain and suffering, and I’m very appreciative. I am truly satisfied with the results of my case.
"The best part about having James Murphy as my workers' compensationlawyer is that I have someone to speak for me..."
The initial phone call made me feel as though they really cared. They made us feel like a number, and Murphy & Associates didn't. My wife and I have never gone through something like this before and accidents can be devastating to a family because of loss of income, pain and suffering.
Murphy & Associates made my experience fast and easy, and got the job done.
Murphy & Associates Car Accident Law firm is professional, efficient, and a pleasant experience doing business with.
I was involved in a rear-end collision while stopped at a red light. Mr. Murphy and his staff guided me through this long process from obtaining medical treatment to settling with the other party's insurance company.

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News

Multi-Vehicle Crash on I-285 Caused by Wrong Way DriverPosted on 5/24/2012
Eight People Hospitalized Due to Head-on Car Wreck in Fulton CountyPosted on 5/17/2012
Car Crash on Peachtree Blvd Leaves InjuriesPosted on 5/8/2012
Villa Rica Bans Cell Phones Without Hands Free Device While DrivingPosted on 5/7/2012

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Cracked Rib/ Fractured Ribs

by James K. Murphy

Many victims of car accidents suffer from what is commonly referred to as a cracked rib or ribs. Defined by physicians as a rib fracture, the injury refers to what Web MD calls “a crack or break in one of the bones of the rib cage.” According to the Web MD website, even if you do not actually have a broken bone in the rib, a break in the cartilage surrounding the ribs is also often referred to as a rib fracture. Not surprisingly, the most common cause of the injury is direct, sudden pressure on the chest (as occurring in car accidents). Because having a rib fracture could also mean that you have injured your lungs, blood vessels, or spleen, you must consult a doctor immediately upon injury. Since the ribs protect your organs beneath them and allow you to breathe, even minor rib cage injuries can be extremely painful. Symptoms of a rib fracture include pain in general, pain while breathing, pain when applying pressure to the breastbone, shortness of breath, headache, anxiousness, dizziness, and drowsiness.

Another occurrence after fracturing multiple ribs is a problem referred to as “flail chest.” When “three or more ribs are broken in more than one place,” the “broken area can’t hold its shape when you take a breath. This leaves less space in your chest for your lungs to open and air to flow in,” making it more difficult for the muscles to function properly, resulting in more difficulty breathing.

In order to diagnose a rib fracture, your physician may ask questions regarding your injury, perform a physical exam including pressing on your chest to look for the location of pain, listen to your lungs and heart, and check for other possible injuries. Although an x-ray may be taken, not all x-rays reveal rib fractures, so you may still be treated for the injury without it appearing in the image of your chest.

Depending on the extent and type of your rib injury, treatment may vary. Many rib fracture victims, however, undergo treatment at home. On the other hand, those with serious rib injuries (including injuries to internal organs) may require hospitalization and heavy doses of medicine.

If you have a rib fracture (cracked ribs) as a result of an accident that was not your fault, call us at 770-577-3020 for a free consultation with an attorney. There is absolutely no obligation.