Severe Bone Fractures

Broken bones and fractures are a common injury associated with auto accidents. While many bone fractures heal on their own over time, an accident victim should be sure to receive medical care and consistent followup by a medical professional.

Contrary to what some people may think, the word “fractured” is used interchangeably with “broken” when referring to the condition of someone’s bone.

To make sure that you receive the compensation you deserve after suffering a bone fracture in a car accident, you need the assistance of an experienced accident lawyer. The following  important information about severe bone fractures may also be useful:

Several Types of Bone Fractures

Fractured bones are one of the most common injuries experienced in all types of accidents. There are several types of bone fractures, which include the following:

• Complete fractures, in which a bone breaks into two or more parts
• Comminuted fractures, in which the impact is so traumatic that a person’s bones are shattered into several pieces. Many victims end up needing screws, pins, or plates inserted into their bodies to provide support for the bone.
• Compound fractures, in which the bone breaks through a person’s skin. One of the primary goals in treating a compound fracture is to guard against infection.
• Hairline fractures, which involve a small crack in the bone. While some people think these fractures are not serious, they still require medical attention and can result in a number of complications if left untreated.
• Incomplete fractures, in which a bone cracks but does not break
• Simple fractures, in which a person’s bone breaks but the damage does not include any skin wounds.
• Stable fractures, in which the ends of the broken pieces of bone are aligned and close together. Stable fractures that occur in a person’s ankles or legs can result in challenges with mobility.

Bone Breaks in At-Risk Groups

The severity of a fracture depends on several factors including the age of the person involved. There are several groups of people who are at an elevated risk of experiencing difficulties while recovering from a fractured bone.

One group is the elderly, whose bones become thinner and more likely to break as they age. Even a less serious accident can leave an elderly person facing serious bone fractures.

Children are another group that is at elevated risk of being seriously injured in an accident. While bone fractures in children often heal faster than in elderly individuals, medical professionals must still review the injury to determine its severity.

The worst bone fractures in children affect the growth plate, which is located at the end of bones and responsible for growth.

Common Locations of Broken Bones

There are several hundred bones located in the human body. Some of the most common areas of the body where bones break include:

• Ankles
• Arms
• Back
• Collarbones
• Feet
• Hands
• Jaw
• Legs
• Neck
• Nose
• Skull
• Vertebrae
• Wrists

Common Causes of Fractures Bones

Some of the most common types of accidents that are known to cause broken bones to include:

• Car accidents. While the overall safety of cars has increased substantially over the years, the risk of experiencing a fracture as a result of an accident has never gone away.
• Commercial truck collisions. The occupants of passenger vehicles are at an increased risk of being seriously injured in an accident with a large truck. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 95,000 people experience injuries in accidents with commercial trucks each year.
• Defective product accidents, which occur when products fail to perform in their intended capacity.
• Repetitive stress injuries, which in many cases result in stress fractures.
• Motorcycle crashes. Approximately 88,000 motorcyclists are injured in traffic accidents each year. Motorcycle riders are more likely to experience bone fractures than motor vehicle passengers because they lack the same degree of protection.
• Pedestrian accidents. Pedestrians do not have any of the protection that motor vehicle passengers have when an accident occurs. Consequently, it is common for pedestrians to end up seriously injured. Fractures are a common result of pedestrian accidents.
• Workplace accidents. The Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada reports that in 2017, 951 workplace deaths occurred. Fractured bones are one of the most common injuries seen that result from workplace accidents.

The Symptoms of Bone Fractures

The National Institutes of Health report that bone fractures are one of the most common injuries caused by car accidents as well as slip and fall accidents.

While many severe fractures are obvious, other fractures are not as easy to spot. Some of the most common symptoms associated with bone fractures include misshapen limbs, bruising, numbness, limited mobility, and intense pain. If you have been in an accident, it is critical to promptly receive medical care, even if you think you have not been injured. You may have suffered a bone fracture and not even know it.

Treatment for Bone Fractures

If you are facing a bone fracture, you are likely wondering what type of treatment you need. First, medical professionals will assess the extent of the injury by performing diagnostic tests, which will likely include MRIs or x-rays.

The exact treatment that a person will need depends on the severity of the bone fractures as well as where on the body the injury is located. In most cases, to make sure that new bone tissues receive adequate care, a medical professional will likely recommend the use of a cast or splint.

Compensation Available for Fractures

If you are an accident victim who is facing a fractured or broken bone, you may be eligible to obtain compensation for the pain and suffering associated with your injury. Some of the other types of damages to which you may be entitled are:

• Lost wages
• Medical expenses
• Modifications to your home or vehicle
• Housekeeping and Home Maintenance
• Attendant Care
• Physical therapy
• Special equipment

Regardless of the damages in your case, a compassionate accident lawyer will remain committed to fighting for the results that you deserve.

Speak with an Experienced Accident Lawyer

Bone fractures can result in a number of complications, which can include a number of financial costs. Fortunately, an experienced accident lawyer will remain committed to making sure that you receive adequate compensation.

Contact Preszler Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.