Suffering a broken bone or fracture in an accident can be a painful and life-altering experience. Whether caused by a car crash, slip and fall, or workplace incident, these injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and time away from work. If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Understanding your legal rights is crucial to ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Broken Bones and Fractures in Accidents
Broken bones and fractures can occur in a variety of accidents. Some of the most common causes include:
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents are leading causes of fractures due to the force of impact involved. High-speed collisions can result in serious injuries such as compound fractures, shattered bones, and joint dislocations. Pedestrians and cyclists are especially vulnerable to broken bones when struck by vehicles.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Falls are a frequent cause of fractures, particularly among older adults. Wet floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, and lack of handrails can lead to serious injuries, including broken hips, wrists, and ankles. Property owners may be held liable if their negligence contributed to the dangerous condition that caused the fall.
Workplace Accidents
Construction sites, warehouses, and industrial workplaces pose significant risks for broken bones due to falls from heights, heavy machinery accidents, and falling objects. Employees injured on the job may be eligible for workers’ compensation, but in some cases, third-party negligence may also be a factor.
Sports and Recreational Activities
High-impact sports, cycling accidents, and recreational activities like skiing or rock climbing can result in severe fractures. While some risks are inherent in these activities, defective equipment or inadequate supervision may create grounds for a legal claim.
Types of Fractures and Their Impact on Your Life
Fractures vary in severity and may require different levels of medical intervention. Some common types include:
Simple and Compound Fractures
A simple fracture involves a clean break that does not pierce the skin, whereas a compound fracture involves the bone breaking through the skin. Compound fractures often require surgery and increase the risk of infection.
Stress Fractures
These are small cracks in the bone caused by repeated stress or overuse. They commonly occur in athletes or individuals with physically demanding jobs.
Comminuted and Displaced Fractures
A comminuted fracture occurs when the bone shatters into multiple pieces, making treatment complex. A displaced fracture means the bone has moved out of alignment, often requiring surgical intervention.
Fractures can result in long-term complications, including nerve damage, chronic pain, and reduced mobility. Severe cases may require multiple surgeries, physical therapy, and prolonged time away from work.
Steps to Take After Suffering a Broken Bone in an Accident
If you have suffered a fracture due to an accident, taking the right steps can help protect both your health and your legal rights.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Prompt medical treatment is essential for proper healing and to document your injuries. X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans may be necessary to determine the severity of the fracture. Medical records will also serve as vital evidence if you decide to file a claim.
Gather Evidence from the Accident Scene
If possible, collect photographs of the scene, your injuries, and any hazardous conditions that contributed to the accident. Eyewitness statements and official reports, such as police or incident reports, can also strengthen your case.
Report the Incident
For car accidents, report the crash to law enforcement. If the injury occurred at work, notify your employer and file a workers’ compensation claim. For slip and falls, report the incident to the property owner or manager.
Avoid Speaking with Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim or shift blame onto you. Do not provide a recorded statement or accept a settlement offer without first consulting a lawyer.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
An experienced attorney can guide you through the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure you receive the full compensation you are entitled to.
Compensation Available for Broken Bones and Fractures
If your injury was caused by another party’s negligence, you may be eligible for financial compensation to cover various losses. Compensation can include:
Medical Expenses
Treatment for broken bones often involves emergency care, surgery, physical therapy, and long-term rehabilitation. Compensation can help cover:
- Hospital bills and emergency treatment
- Surgery and follow-up care
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Prescription medications and medical devices (casts, crutches, wheelchairs)
Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity
If your injury prevents you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. In cases where the fracture leads to long-term disability or reduced earning capacity, additional financial recovery may be available.
Pain and Suffering
Fractures can cause significant physical pain and emotional distress. Compensation may be awarded for:
- Chronic pain and discomfort
- Emotional trauma, such as anxiety or PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life due to reduced mobility
Property Damage
If your accident involved a vehicle, bicycle, or other personal property, you may also recover compensation for repairs or replacement costs.
How a Lawyer Can Help You Maximize Your Claim
Navigating the legal process after an accident can be challenging, especially when dealing with insurance companies that try to minimize payouts. A skilled attorney can help in several ways:
- Investigating the accident and gathering crucial evidence to build a strong case
- Negotiating with insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit if a settlement offer is inadequate
- Representing you in court if necessary to fight for maximum compensation
If you or a loved one suffered a fracture due to someone else’s negligence, consulting a Milwaukee broken bones and fractures lawyer can help you understand your legal options and ensure your rights are protected.
Understanding the Long-Term Impact of Fractures
Some fractures heal relatively quickly, while others lead to lasting medical complications. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons provides important information about different types of fractures, treatment options, and recovery expectations.
For those seeking legal representation, Gruber Law Offices is a well-regarded law firm in Milwaukee known for handling personal injury cases involving broken bones and fractures.
Conclusion
Recovering from a broken bone or fracture after an accident can be physically, emotionally, and financially challenging. Seeking legal guidance can help you secure the compensation necessary to cover medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Whether your injury was caused by a car accident, slip and fall, or workplace incident, knowing your rights and taking the right legal steps can make a significant difference in your recovery.
About the author: Kerry L. Tucker
Early in his journalism college years, Kerry Tucker had a revelation: there were not nearly enough law communicators. People’s difficulties in understanding the law, procedures, and how the justice system worked stemmed from the fact that no one took the patience to explain complicated matters to them. Therefore, he took upon himself the task of helping people navigate legal matters easier. He works with attorneys and other legal journalists and spends time researching so that everyone – from a mother whose child got a bike injury to a company needing insurance counsel – to find the actionable answers they are looking for.
