Understanding Legal Rights When CPR Results in Broken Ribs

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving emergency procedure performed when someone experiences cardiac arrest or stops breathing. While CPR can mean the difference between life and death, it inevitably carries physical risks to the patient receiving treatment. One of the most common complications is rib fractures or breaks sustained during chest compressions. When someone survives thanks to CPR but suffers broken ribs in the process, questions naturally arise about legal accountability and compensation. This guide explores the legal landscape surrounding CPR-related injuries, the protections available to rescuers, and the circumstances under which individuals might pursue legal action.

The Physical Reality of CPR and Rib Fractures

CPR requires rescuers to apply significant physical force to perform effective chest compressions. The procedure involves placing the heels of both hands on a patient’s chest and pushing down forcefully—typically at least two inches with each compression—at a rate of approximately 100 compressions per minute. This intense, repetitive force is necessary to maintain blood circulation when the heart is no longer functioning, but it naturally carries risks.

Medical research demonstrates that rib fractures are remarkably common following CPR administration. Studies indicate that approximately 70 percent of CPR patients experience either rib fractures or other bone breaks as a direct result of the procedure. Some research analyzing autopsy data from thousands of patients who received CPR reveals even higher fracture rates. In one documented case, a 72-year-old woman who received CPR suffered 12 broken ribs but ultimately survived the incident. Despite these injuries, medical professionals widely acknowledge that broken ribs represent an acceptable outcome when weighed against the alternative—death.

Medical organizations, including the American Heart Association, have issued clear guidance on this issue. According to their position, healthcare providers and rescuers should not hesitate to perform CPR due to concerns about breaking ribs, as the procedure’s life-saving potential far outweighs the temporary physical trauma of bone fractures.

The Role of Good Samaritan Laws in Protecting Rescuers

Good Samaritan laws exist in all U.S. states and serve as a critical legal protection for individuals who provide emergency assistance to others in life-threatening situations. These laws were specifically designed to encourage ordinary citizens and healthcare professionals to intervene during emergencies without fearing legal consequences.

The fundamental principle behind Good Samaritan legislation is straightforward: when someone acts in good faith to help another person facing a medical emergency, that rescuer receives legal immunity from liability for injuries that occur during the rescue attempt. This protection applies even when the rescue efforts, like CPR, result in broken ribs or other injuries. The law recognizes that emergency situations require quick decisions and decisive action, and it protects individuals who make reasonable efforts to save lives.

How Good Samaritan Protections Function

Good Samaritan laws typically provide protection to rescuers under specific conditions:

• The rescuer acted in good faith with the intention of helping the victim
• The rescuer’s actions were reasonably performed according to their training and abilities
• The rescuer did not act with gross negligence or recklessness
• The rescuer did not receive payment or compensation for their assistance

It is important to note that Good Samaritan protections vary somewhat by state. Some states limit these protections specifically to licensed medical professionals, while many other states extend protections to any individual who attempts to help during an emergency. However, virtually all jurisdictions recognize that ordinary citizens attempting CPR should receive legal protection when injuries result from their efforts.

When Legal Action Becomes Possible

While Good Samaritan laws provide robust protection to rescuers, legal action is not entirely impossible. Certain circumstances exist under which an injured party might pursue a lawsuit against someone who performed CPR that caused broken ribs.

The Gross Negligence Standard

The primary exception to Good Samaritan protection involves demonstrating gross negligence or reckless conduct during CPR administration. Gross negligence differs significantly from ordinary negligence or simple mistakes. Rather than representing a failure to meet a standard duty of care, gross negligence involves conduct that is extremely careless and demonstrates little to no regard for the safety of others.

To successfully sue for broken ribs caused by CPR, an injured person would need to prove that the rescuer’s actions went far beyond making a reasonable mistake or applying appropriate force. Examples of gross negligence in CPR administration might include:

• Performing CPR on someone who does not require it (for example, pressing on the chest of someone with a beating heart)
• Applying excessive force that is wildly disproportionate to proper CPR technique
• Continuing CPR long after the victim shows clear signs of recovery
• Performing CPR while intoxicated or in a severely impaired condition
• Deliberately causing harm rather than attempting rescue

The Challenge of Proving Medical Malpractice

When CPR is performed by licensed medical professionals such as doctors or emergency medical technicians, different standards may apply. Medical malpractice claims require plaintiffs to demonstrate that the healthcare provider failed to meet an established standard of care expected from similarly trained professionals. For CPR-related injuries, this standard explicitly acknowledges that broken ribs are an expected and acceptable outcome of proper resuscitation.

Even in medical malpractice cases, the fact that the patient survived thanks to CPR weighs heavily in favor of the medical professional. Courts recognize that successful CPR—even when it causes bone fractures—should not be considered negligent or improper.

Improper CPR Administration and Legitimate Injury Claims

While routine rib fractures from properly performed CPR rarely lead to successful lawsuits, improperly administered CPR presents a different legal situation. When CPR is performed incorrectly, it may cause injuries beyond the expected broken ribs and could potentially support a claim for compensation.

Complications from Incorrect Technique

Improper CPR administration can result in various serious injuries, including:

• Punctured or collapsed lungs resulting from rib fragments or broken sternum pieces
• Damage to internal organs from excessive or improperly placed compressions
• Vomiting and pulmonary aspiration caused by excessive chest pressure
• Severe rib fractures exceeding what proper CPR technique would cause
• Spinal injuries from improper positioning during resuscitation

Medical experts emphasize that proper CPR training is essential for anyone likely to encounter emergency situations. Recertification every two years is recommended to ensure rescuers maintain current knowledge of proper techniques. When individuals perform CPR without adequate training or without following established protocols, they increase the risk of complications that might support injury claims.

Evaluating Your Potential Legal Claim

If you or a loved one suffered injuries from CPR and are considering legal action, several factors require careful evaluation:

Key Considerations for Your Case

An experienced personal injury attorney can evaluate the specific circumstances of your situation and determine whether legal remedies might be available.

Real-World Legal Outcomes

Court systems have consistently recognized the importance of protecting rescuers who perform CPR in emergency situations. In one notable case, a licensed village doctor in China who performed CPR on a 72-year-old woman experiencing cardiac arrest was cleared of liability despite the woman suffering 12 broken ribs during the procedure. The legal authorities determined that the rescuer followed proper medical procedures and the injuries, while significant, were an expected consequence of appropriate life-saving intervention.

This case illustrates a broader legal principle: when CPR is performed correctly and with good intent, resulting injuries—even multiple broken ribs—do not typically support successful lawsuits. Courts consistently find that the alternative to CPR (the patient’s death) makes broken ribs an acceptable and foreseeable outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions About CPR and Legal Liability

Q: Can someone sue me for performing CPR that caused broken ribs?

A: Under Good Samaritan laws in virtually all U.S. states, you are protected from liability if you performed CPR in good faith, according to your training and abilities, without gross negligence or recklessness. Broken ribs alone do not constitute grounds for a successful lawsuit.

Q: What is the difference between negligence and gross negligence in CPR cases?

A: Simple negligence involves minor deviations from proper care, while gross negligence demonstrates extreme carelessness and disregard for safety. Good Samaritan protections cover simple negligence but may not protect against gross negligence or intentional misconduct.

Q: Do Good Samaritan laws apply to untrained individuals performing CPR?

A: Yes, Good Samaritan protections extend to untrained individuals who attempt CPR in good faith during emergencies. However, individuals with professional medical training are held to higher standards of care.

Q: What should I do if I’m concerned about CPR-related injuries I received?

A: Seek immediate medical evaluation for any injuries. If you believe the CPR was improperly administered or caused injuries beyond expected rib fractures, consult with a personal injury attorney experienced in medical negligence cases.

Q: Are rib fractures considered permanent or serious injuries in CPR cases?

A: Rib fractures from CPR typically heal within six to twelve weeks with conservative treatment. While painful, they are generally not considered permanent or disabling injuries, which affects the viability of legal claims for damages.

Seeking Legal Guidance

If you or a family member have sustained injuries during CPR administration and have questions about legal liability, consulting with a personal injury attorney is advisable. An experienced lawyer can review the specific circumstances of your situation, evaluate whether grounds exist for a claim, and advise you on potential options. Many attorneys offer free initial consultations and work on contingency bases, meaning you pay no fees unless your case results in compensation.

The intersection of emergency medical care and legal liability is complex, and individual state laws vary. Professional legal guidance ensures you understand your rights and options fully.

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Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to waytolegal,  crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

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