Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers | December 19, 2025 | Personal Injury

What Is an Intercostal Muscle Strain?

The intercostal muscles are a layer of thin muscles that lie between the ribs. They play an essential role in breathing and also provide support for the torso by stabilizing the thoracic cavity.

Straining these muscles can cause intense pain and make breathing more difficult. Learn more about intercostal muscle strains and what legal options you may have if you’ve suffered one in an accident that wasn’t your fault.

Understanding Intercostal Muscle Strains

An intercostal muscle strain refers to the overstretching or tearing of this vital layer of muscles. This kind of damage can result in numerous symptoms that may vary depending on the specific area impacted, though breathing is typically affected. 

Some common symptoms of intercostal muscle strains include:

  • Severe and sudden chest or back pain
  • Muscle rigidity 
  • Pain that gets worse when coughing, sneezing, or inhaling deeply 
  • Sharp pain or tenderness in the rib area
  • Spasms of the intercostal muscles 

Treating intercostal muscle strains can require rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes splinting the area to stabilize it. You may also need physical therapy, depending on the severity of the injury and how it has altered your movement and daily life.

Can You File a Personal Injury Claim for an Intercostal Muscle Strain?

Here’s how claims typically work and what you’ll need to show:

  • Another party’s negligence caused your strain (not just a coincidence).
  • The legal elements are met: duty of care, breach, causation, and damages.
  • Strong proof supports your case: medical records, imaging, incident reports, photos/video, witness statements, and pay records for lost income.
  • You can seek compensation for medical bills, rehab/physical therapy, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
  • If it happened in a workplace accident, you generally file a workers’ compensation claim for medical care and wage benefits.
  • You may also sue a negligent third party (not your employer/co-worker) if they contributed to the injury.

These points help you decide whether to bring a personal injury claim, a workers’ comp claim, or both, and what evidence to gather.

Damages Available After an Intercostal Muscle Strain

If your claim is successful, you may obtain economic damages to cover medical expenses like doctor visits and physical therapy sessions. If you require ongoing care, your compensation can also address that.

Economic damages can also help replace lost wages. You may need to take time off from work to allow the muscles to heal, which means missing out on income you would otherwise have earned.

Additionally, non-economic damages may be available to compensate you for the pain and suffering you’ve experienced because of the injury. If the strain doesn’t heal completely or continues to cause stiffness and discomfort that prevents you from doing the things you used to enjoy, you can also pursue compensation for your loss of enjoyment of life. 

Contact the Houston Personal Injury Attorneys at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today

Filing a personal injury claim might not appear complex from the outside, but it requires high-stakes negotiation with insurance companies, which can be extremely challenging. These companies frequently search for ways to avoid paying out on claims. 

Without skilled legal assistance, you could end up walking away with a much smaller settlement than you deserve. That’s where Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers can help. By hiring our experienced Houston personal injury law firm, you’ll have a better chance of recovering comprehensive damages for your losses. Contact us today at (713) 500-5000.

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About the Author Brian White

About the Author Brian White

Brian White earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a Board-Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer.

Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and community initiatives.

Client testimonials highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents.

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