Broken Bone Injury Attorney

Catastrophic injuries can occur as a result of an accident; from motor vehicle collisions to workplace accidents. Broken bones, or fractures, are a common type of catastrophic injury that can result in a temporary or permanent disability, depending upon the severity of the bone break.

Some fractures can leave a person with permanent disfigurement a limited ability to return to work. If another person’s negligence caused you to suffer a bone fracture, I want to help you get the financial compensation you are entitled to. As an experienced Cleveland catastrophic injury attorney, I have years of experience holding at-fault parties accountable, and I can get started on your case today.

Types of Bone Fractures:

According to the Mayo Clinic, a fracture is the term for a broken bone. All fractures are different, and bones can sustain a complete or partial fracture. The following information covers types of fractures that can occur:

Compound fracture:

A compound fracture, also known as an open fracture, is a severe bone fracture in which the broken bone pierces through the skin, leading to exposure of the bone to the external environment. This type of fracture is considered more serious than a simple or closed fracture, as it carries an increased risk of infection and other complications.

The exposed bone and surrounding tissues can be prone to contamination from bacteria, which may enter the wound and cause infection. Consequently, immediate medical attention is crucial to properly clean the wound and minimize the risk of infection.

Closed fracture:

A closed fracture, also known as a simple fracture, occurs when the broken bone does not pierce through the skin. Unlike a compound fracture, the skin remains intact, and there is no external wound or exposure of the bone to the outside environment.

Since the skin is not broken in a closed fracture, there is a lower risk of infection compared to compound fractures. However, it is still essential to seek medical attention promptly to assess the severity of the fracture and provide appropriate treatment.

Displaced fracture:

A displaced fracture is a type of bone fracture in which the broken ends of the bone are no longer in their normal or anatomical alignment. In other words, the bone fragments have shifted or moved away from their original position, causing a visible misalignment.

The degree of displacement can vary, ranging from a slight misalignment to a complete separation of the bone ends. The extent of displacement can significantly affect the treatment approach and prognosis for healing.

Common symptoms of a displaced fracture include severe pain, swelling, bruising, visible deformity or angulation of the affected area, and difficulty in moving or using the injured limb or body part.

Comminuted fracture:

A comminuted fracture is a severe type of bone fracture in which the bone is broken into multiple fragments or pieces. Unlike simple fractures where the bone may break into two pieces, a comminuted fracture involves the bone shattering into several smaller fragments.

Comminuted fractures can lead to significant pain, swelling, bruising, and visible deformity at the site of the injury. The bone fragments may be displaced, making the affected area unstable and difficult to move.

Greenstick Fracture:

A greenstick fracture, also known as a “buckle” fracture, is a bone break commonly seen in children. It occurs when one side of the bone bends or “buckles” while the other side remains intact. The term “greenstick” is used to describe the fracture’s resemblance to a green twig that bends but does not break completely.

Common symptoms of a greenstick fracture include pain, swelling, and tenderness at the site of the injury. In some cases, there may be a visible angulation or deformity at the fracture site, but the bone does not completely break apart.

As an experienced personal injury lawyer, I have a long history of dealing with these serious injuries. The pain can be immense, and the medical bills can pile up while your bone is healing, It is more than likely you have missed time at work and thus lost income. It is in your best interest to call me today to review your injury claim. Remember, if an act of negligence caused your broken bone, I’ll Make Them Pay!®

Medical Treatment For Fractured Bones

Medical treatment for broken bones may vary depending on the type and severity of the fracture. Here are some common treatment options along with brief explanation of each:

Casting or Splinting:

Casting or splinting involves immobilizing the broken bone with a plaster cast or a rigid splint. This helps to align the bone fragments and keep them in the correct position during the healing process. The duration the cast or splint needs to be worn depends on which bone is involved and the severity of the fracture. Typically, healing ranges from several weeks to a few months. After the cast/splint is removed, physical therapy may be recommended to regain strength and mobility.

Closed Reduction

This is a procedure where a healthcare professional manipulates the broken bone fragments back into their proper alignment without making an incision. It is often performed under local or general anesthesia. After the closed reduction is performed, a cast or splint is usually applied to maintain the alignment. The recovery time varies, but may take several weeks.

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF):

ORIF is a surgical procedure where the fractured bone is realigned by making an incision, and internal fixation devices such as screws, plates, or rods are used to hold the bone fragments together. The recovery period for ORIF is dependent on a few variables, including the type of fracture, the location of the fracture, and the individual’s overall health. It may take several weeks to months, and physical therapy may be required after the initial healing to help regain function.

External Fixation:

This procedure involves the use of metal pins or screws placed outside of the body to stabilize the fractured bone. This is often used for complex fractures, or when internal fixation is not suitable. The external fixation device may be in place for several weeks to months, depending on the fracture’s severity and complexity. Once removed, you will likely need physical therapy to restore strength and mobility.

Traction:

Traction is a technique used to align and stabilize fractures, especially in the case of long bone fractures. It involves applying a pulling force to the affected limb using weights and pulleys. The duration of traction varies based on the specific fracture and the individual’s response to treatment. After traction, additional treatment like casting or splinting may be required, and recovery time can extend for several weeks.

Any type of fracture can be extremely serious. Depending upon what part of the body sustains the broken bone, a fracture can be debilitating temporarily or permanently. You need an experienced personal injury attorney to make sure you get the help you need. Call me today for your free consultation.

Possible Reasons For Personal Injury Cases

Slip and Fall on a Wet Floor:

While shopping at a grocery store, you unexpectedly slipped and fell on a wet floor near the entrance. The store had failed to promptly clean up the spilled liquid or provide any warning signs to alert customers of the hazard. A safe environment was not maintained due to negligence which may likely have caused you to fall and break a bone.

Car Accident:

While driving through an intersection, another driver ran a red light and collided with your vehicle, resulting in severe injuries. The reckless and negligent driver was speeding and disregarded traffic signals, which caused the accident and your subsequent bone fracture.

Workplace Accident:

While working at a construction site, a heavy object was not properly secured and fell from a considerable height and struck you. The employer failed to maintain a safe work environment due to a lack of proper safety protocols, or failure to provide adequate safety equipment. Thus leading to an accident which resulted in your broken bone.

Slip and Fall on Uneven Pavement:

Walking along a sidewalk outside of a commercial property, you tripped and fell because of cracked and uneven pavement. The property owner’s negligence for failure to maintain the sidewalk and repair the hazards may have caused your fall and resultant bone fracture.

Sports-Related Injury:

While participating in a sports event, another player recklessly collides with you, causing you to fall awkwardly. The player’s negligence for not following the rules, playing in a dangerous manner, or disregarding the safety of others resulted in the collision and your broken bone.

Defective Product:

While using a ladder for a simple task, the ladder suddenly collapses. The ladder’s manufacturer is responsible for producing a defective product or failing to provide adequate warnings, leading to the ladder’s collapse, your fall and your bone fracture.

Damages Collected For Broken Bone Injuries

Medical Expenses:

Compensation for medical expenses is to cover the costs of initial emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, medications, doctor visits, diagnostic tests, physical therapy, and any other healthcare services related to the treatment of the broken bone injury. This compensation is intended to reimburse you for the financial burden of medical bills incurred due to the injury.

Pain and Suffering:

These damages seek to compensate you for the physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress experienced as a result of the broken bone injury. These damages aim to provide compensation for the intangible and subjective impact of the injury on your well-being and quality of life.

Lost Wages:

Your broken bone may have caused you to miss work. You can recover damages for the income you could not earn due to time taken off from work for medical treatment and recovery of the broken bone injury. This compensation is intended to cover the financial loss suffered by you due to the inability to work during the recovery period.

Loss of Earning Capacity:

Loss of earning capacity damages are applicable if the broken bone injury results in long-term or permanent impairment that affects the person’s ability to earn the same income they did prior to the injury. This compensation is intended to address the reduced ability to earn a living, and the potential impact on future earning potential.

Disfigurement or Scarring:

Disfigurement or scarring damages may be awarded if the broken bone injury causes visible and permanent scars or disfigurement, leading to emotional distress and self-esteem issues. These damages aim to provide compensation for the psychological and emotional effects of living with a visible and permanent physical change.

Ohio Statute of Limitations for Broken Bone Lawsuits

If you sustained a broken bone injury because of a negligent party, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim. In order to be eligible for compensation, Ohio law requires you to file your lawsuit within two years from the date of your injury. Do not hesitate to reach out to me today about your claim.

Contact Me for More Information 

No person should suffer a catastrophic injury because of someone else’s careless or reckless actions. I know how important it is to obtain financial compensation to cover your medical bills and your lost wages, not to mention the pain and suffering you have experienced as a result of the injury. Contact me today to discuss your case and to learn more about how I can help you. I’ll Make Them Pay!®