Helping Injury Victims Find Justice
When the force applied to a bone exceeds its strength, the bone will fracture. This is a common injury among victims of car accidents and falls. Broken bones can be treated, but patients with these injuries may experience pain or discomfort and a decreased ability to do things while they heal. Therefore, fractures are often costly for an accident victim, and many Americans do not have the money to cover such expenses out-of-pocket.
Our lawyers at Caputo and Van Der Walde – Injury & Accident Attorneys can help you file a claim if you were injured by someone else’s negligence. We understand the medicine of injuries like broken bones, which helps us convincingly argue your case to an insurance adjuster—or in front of a jury. If you fractured a bone in an accident, come see our team. We are ready to help.
Call us at (800) 900-0863 to schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers in San Jose. We can give you legal advice after an accident caused by someone else.
Different Types of Bone Fractures and Their Causes
Bone fractures can vary widely in type and severity, which means patients’ treatment and symptoms differ based on the details of their injury.
Your fracture may be:
- Stable, meaning the broken bone is still in place with its ends lining up
- Displaced, with a gap between the two pieces of bone that have separated
- Open (compound), with an open wound either caused by the bone piercing through the skin or by another concurrent injury
- Comminuted, or resultant in three or more pieces of bone that have shattered apart
- Compressed, which means the bone, typically a vertebra, has been crushed
Comminuted fractures involve more force than stable, displaced, or compound fractures; they are often caused by high-speed accidents or falls from heights.
Your doctor may use other clinical language to explain additional aspects of your injury. If you have questions about your diagnosis, our team can help you find resources and answers.
Spotting a Bone Fracture
Typically, a broken bone is hard to miss. These injuries can make it difficult to move or even use the damaged limb or digit.
If you are unsure whether you have a fracture, look for the following symptoms:
- Swelling and tenderness
- Bruising
- Visible deformity (an unusual bump, bend, or twist)
- Severe pain
You should always see a doctor after an accident because getting an official diagnosis is essential to maximizing your injury claim. However, if you have—or believe you have—a broken bone, visit an Urgent Care clinic or emergency room immediately.
Healing from a Bone Fracture
Broken bones take time to heal because your body must rebuild bone tissue. On average, you can expect to be recovering for six to eight weeks, but more serious fractures may need longer to fully heal. Your doctor can help you understand what to expect in the following weeks and months.
Most bone fractures are treated via a cast or splint, treatment options that keep the bone in place while it grows back. Of course, while in a cast or splint, you may have trouble completing everyday activities, not to mention work duties. More serious fractures may require you to be put in traction or undergo surgery.
Thankfully, once a broken bone begins to heal, the pain associated with the injury will fade. However, you may need to limit your movement and activity even after your doctor has removed your cast or brace. Additionally, the immobilization necessary to heal a bone typically causes lost muscle strength and decreased range of motion. You may need physical therapy to recover to your full function.
Complications of Fractures
With immediate treatment, most fractures can heal without trouble. Some patients experience complications that can lead to further medical needs or discomfort. If this happens to you, we want to ensure your settlement covers them.
Broken bones (and their treatments) may lead to:
- Blood clots
- Pressure ulcers
- Joint stiffness
- Compartment syndrome (bleeding or swelling in the surrounded muscles)
- Hemarthrosis (bleeding that enters a joint and causes it to swell)
If your fractured bone does not seem to be healing, or if you experience swelling, reddening, or pain around the injured area, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. As with all injuries and medical conditions, it is better to catch—and treat—complications as soon as possible.
Get the Compensation You Need for a Broken Bone
Fractured bones can put individuals out of work for weeks and make it harder for them to complete everyday tasks like chores and errands. Depending on where you were injured, you may find it difficult to walk or drive while you are recovering. Our team wants to know the full effects of a broken bone on your life so we can help you request fair compensation for your losses.
To learn more about bone fractures, we recommend you visit:
- Cleveland Clinic: Bone Fractures
- OrthoInfo: Fractures (Broken Bones)
- AICA Orthopedics: Most Common Fractures from Car Accidents
While we are lawyers, not doctors, we may also be able to answer your questions and help you find the right medical professionals to treat your injuries. With over 85 years of collective experience, we have dealt with many claims that involve broken bones. Our team members are available to sit down with you and listen to what you need, then share what we can do for you.
If you need to make an accident or injury claim, call Caputo and Van Der Walde – Injury & Accident Attorneys at (800) 900-0863. Our San Jose office has a full team ready to fight for you.