Broken Bones in a Serious Accident

ByCLG Injury Law

A serious traumatic accident can lead to broken bones, which may require casting, surgery or physical therapy. If someone else’s negligence has caused an accident in which you have suffered broken bones, a personal injury lawyer can help you file a claim to seek compensation for your injuries.

Medical treatment is required for broken bones, which are also called fractures. A bone will break when it can’t withstand the pressure exerted upon it, such as with the impact of a car accident.

Typical Signs and Symptoms of Broken Bones

Signs and symptoms of broken bones include:

  • a deformed joint or limb;
  • pain with movement or gentle pressure;
  • bone that juts through the skin (compound fracture);
  • numbness or bluish discoloration in the affected area; and
  • abnormally positioned extremities.

You will need to discuss treatment options with your orthopedic surgeon because treatment for broken bones is tailored to the specific individual based on x-rays and other variables.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on:

  • the body part affected;
  • the severity of the deformity;
  • the broken bone’s healing potential;
  • the general health of the individual; and
  • the individual’s age.

A broken hip, for instance, will almost always require surgery, medication and rehabilitation. For a broken leg, your surgeon might be able to manipulate your leg bones back into position and then apply a cast. This is called closed reduction. If closed reduction doesn’t work, your broken bone may require pins or rods, which would mean a trip to the operating room.

Broken bones in your wrist or hand may also require closed reduction as well as a cast, after which you would need months of physical therapy to restore movement. Pins or rods may be needed if you have multiple fractures, ligament damage or broken bones extending to a joint.

Complications Related to Broken Bones

With all medical procedures, there is a risk that complications could occur. For broken bones, complications include:

  • Wrist/Hand – stiffness or aching after the bone has healed, including osteoarthritis and nerve damage.
  • Hip – blood clots, urinary tract infections, bedsores, muscle wasting and pneumonia.
  • Arm – uneven growth (in children), bone infection, osteoarthritis and nerve damage.
  • Leg – delayed healing (in severely broken bones), bone infection, unequal leg growth (in children) and damaged muscles.
  • Ankle/Foot – arthritis, bone infection, blood vessel or nerve damage and compartment syndrome.

Medical bills for immediate and follow-up treatment of broken bones can really add up, and the fact that you will probably have to take time off from work won’t help your financial situation. For this reason you may want to consult with a personal injury lawyer to discuss filing a claim to seek compensation for your injuries.

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