Injury Information - Broken Bones

Broken bones, more formally known as fractures, are common injuries as a result of car accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, slip and fall accidents, and some construction accidents.  Bones become fractured when the impact upon them is greater than the strength of the bones themselves.

When thinking of broken bones, we most typically think of broken legs, arms, wrists, toes, and fingers. Car accident victims, however, are highly prone to bone fractures in the back, neck, sternum, and ribs.  Those involved in car accidents may also suffer a painful skull fracture, broken nose, fractures to the cheek, chin, and/or jaw, especially if there is contact with the dashboard or windshield.  Multiple fractures are a common result of car accidents and often leave accident victims in pain and debilitated for great lengths of time.

Sometimes broken bones heal perfectly.

Other times, you may have a painful and disabling injury for life.

Regardless of which bone has suffered a fracture or the nature of the accident, the pain will likely be immediate and swelling can continue for several hours.  If you are involved in an accident after which you experience pain, swelling, limited motion, and/or bone tenderness seek medical attention right away, as you could have suffered a fracture.  If not treated promptly, serious fractures could lead to dangerous complications, including infection, damage to nerves, and damage to blood vessels.  It is important to be treated for any injury immediately after an accident. 

The main types of fractures are displaced, non-displaced, open, and closed. If a bone breaks in two or more parts, it is considered a displaced fracture. Further, if a bone is shattered in many pieces it is known as comminuted.  A non-displaced fracture is characterized by a bone cracked either part or all of the way through but remaining aligned.  A fractured bone does not necessarily have to break through skin.  When this occurs the break is known as a closed fracture. An open fracture refers to an injury in which the bone breaks through the skin.  With an open fracture, deep bone infection is always possible, which makes the accident injury ramifications more serious.

The length of time required for treatment and recuperation from broken bones varies from person to person and depends on age, seriousness of the accident injuries, and location of the accident injuries. In addition, due to the strong impact in car accidents, surgery is often necessary to repair or reconstruct broken bones, many times requiring metal screws or other devices to keep the bones securely in place.

Because there are numerous complications that can result from broken bones, it is a good idea to contact a personal injury lawyer if you are suffering with injuries due to someone else’s carelessness or negligence.  Learn about your rights.  Mobility can be severely and permanently limited after an accident, surgery with a long recovery time may be necessary, paralysis may ensue.  Being a victim of an accident could mean your life will never be the same.  You deserve to be compensated for your losses and do not deserve to be taken advantage of by an insurance company.  Contact the personal injury attorneys at Saile and Saile LLP for a free consultation regarding your accident injuries.