As a personal injury lawyer for almost 30 years in Texas and Louisiana, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating and long-lasting impact broken bones can have on accident victims. From car crashes to slip and falls, these injuries are painful, disruptive, and can lead to significant financial burdens. In this article, I’ll break down everything you need to know about broken bones in accidents and how to protect your right to compensation.

Broken Bones: A Common and Serious Injury

Types of Fractures: 

Doctors classify broken bones based on several factors, which helps determine the best treatment approach and potential complications. Here are a few common classifications:

• Open vs. Closed
  • Open Fracture (Compound Fracture): The bone breaks through the skin, creating an open wound. These are more serious due to the higher risk of infection and require immediate medical attention.
  • Closed Fracture: The bone breaks, but the skin remains intact. While less urgent than open fractures, they still require prompt medical care.
• Simple vs. Comminuted
  • Simple Fracture: A clean break across the bone, usually into two pieces.
  • Comminuted Fracture: The bone shatters into three or more fragments. These are more complex to treat and often require surgery.
• Stress Fractures
  • These are tiny cracks in the bone caused by repetitive stress or overuse. They’re common in athletes and people with osteoporosis. Stress fractures often cause pain that worsens with activity.

Commonly Broken Bones: 

• Arm Bone Fractures
  • Wrist Bone Fractures
  • Lower Leg Bone Fractures
  • Femur Fracture
  • Clavicle or Collarbone Fractures
  • Rib Fractures
  • Hip and Pelvis Fractures
  • Facial and Skull Fractures
  • Back Fractures

How Accidents Cause Broken Bones

• Car Accidents: The force of impact in a car accident, whether from direct collision, sudden stops, or being ejected from the vehicle, can exceed the strength of bones, leading to fractures.
• Slip and Falls: Hard surfaces, awkward landings, and heights contribute to breaks in these accidents.
• Workplace Accidents: Heavy machinery, falls from heights, and crush injuries are common culprits in workplace bone fractures.
• Sports and Recreational Accidents: Collisions in contact sports, falls from bikes or horses, etc.

The Painful Reality of Broken Bones

• Immediate Symptoms: After a car accident, immediate symptoms of a broken bone include intense pain at the site of the injury, swelling, bruising, visible deformity or misalignment, and difficulty moving the affected area. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
• Long-Term Complications:
  • Potential for surgery
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation
  • Chronic pain or decreased range of motion
  • Risk of arthritis in the affected area

The Costs of a Broken Bone

• Medical Expenses: Doctor visits, surgery, imaging, pain medication, rehabilitation, assistive devices
• Lost Wages: Time off work for treatment and recovery can lead to significant income loss.
• Future Earning Capacity: Severe fractures can impact your ability to perform your job.
• Pain and Suffering: Physical and emotional toll of the injury and the recovery process
• Permanent Disability: In some cases, broken bones can result in lifelong impairments.

What to Do After Suffering a Broken Bone in an Accident

• Get Medical Attention Right Away: Even if you think it’s minor, seek a doctor’s evaluation to diagnose and treat the break properly.
• Follow Treatment Recommendations: Adhere to your doctor’s orders for healing and rehabilitation.
• Document Everything: Keep records of medical bills, lost wages, and details about the accident and its impact on your life.
• Don’t Talk to Insurance Adjusters: Refer them to your attorney. Insurance companies will try to minimize your payout.

Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer

• Proving Negligence: To win your case, you must prove another party caused the accident due to their carelessness.
• Assessing the True Value of Your Claim: An experienced attorney like Bart Bernard knows how to calculate all your losses, including future costs.
• Fighting the Insurance Company: Insurance companies aren’t on your side. A lawyer will aggressively pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.

If you’ve suffered a broken bone in an accident, don’t try to fight for your rights alone. Contact Bart Bernard Injury Lawyers today for a fast and free consultation.

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