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Accident Victims can Pursue Compensation for Broken Bones

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August 24, 2016

Broken Bone Injuries Can Be Complex And Serious

With over 206 bones in the body, it’s unsurprising that broken bones send many people to emergency rooms every day. The American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) reports that six million people will break a bone yearly. While many people regard a broken bone as a simple, straightforward injury, these injuries are often anything but. Broken bones require surgery, extended healing time, rehabilitation, and more. These injuries should be addressed seriously as they can cause lasting damage and leave victims with lingering pain.

The Anatomy of Broken Bone Injuries

The hundreds of bones in the body are made of calcium and collagen, making them hard but flexible. Throughout one’s life, the bones are A Doctor Examining a Broken Bone on an X-rayconstantly being renewed, with new bone tissue forming to replace old, worn out tissue. Bones serve several purposes for the body, including serving as a structural frame, helping bodies to move, protecting internal organs, and housing vital sources of blood, marrow, and key minerals.

While bones are hard and can withstand a lot of pressure, certain situations are simply too much for the bone to handle. Bones can break, causing pain and several possible serious health issues. Some symptoms of broken bones include:

  • A “snap” sound
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Tenderness and pain
  • Loss of movement or use of the body part
  • Visible physical deformity

It is important to note that not every broken bone injury victim will exhibit every symptom. Sometimes, it can be difficult to know if the bone is broken. Accident victims should always seek prompt medical treatment to ensure that their injuries are properly diagnosed and treated.

Types of Broken Bone Injuries

There are many different ways a bone can break, with some causing much more complicated damage than others. Doctors will typically perform an x-ray to look at the bone and determine the extent of the injury. The types of broken bone injuries most commonly identified include:

  • Open fracture – pieces of the bone are sticking out through the skin.
  • Closed fracture – the break is contained under the skin.
  • Simple fracture – the bone is broken in just one place.
  • Compound fracture – there are multiple fractures in the bone.
  • Displaced fracture – the sides of the broken bone have moved out of alignment.
  • Nondisplaced fracture – the bone remains aligned despite the fracture.

Bone fractures can be described with more than one category. A person could have, for example, a closed simple nondisplaced fracture. Other types of fractures can occur, such as comminuted fractures, in which the bone breaks into three or more pieces.

Possible Complications of Broken Bones

While many broken bones heal with little problems, many complications can occur, especially from injuries sustained in high impact accidents like car or motorcycle crashes. Some complications that can result from a broken bone include:

  • Infection
  • Delayed healing
  • Nerve or blood vessel damage
  • Compartment syndrome
  • Arthritis
  • Unequal bone length

Some of these rare complications can require additional medical care and further recovery time. This can mean further pain for the victim and more time away from work, adding further physical, financial, and emotional stress to an already frustrating situation.

Call us

The most common causes of broken bone injuries include falls and motor vehicle accidents. Many times these accidents are the result of another person’s negligence. When others fail to live up their duty to act in a manner that promotes the safety of everyone, they can be held accountable. The attorneys at Morris James have helped many accident victims obtain the compensation they need to help them heal and move forward.

You may be eligible to file a claim if you or someone you love has suffered a broken bone due to someone else’s negligence. Take a moment to fill out our online contact form or call us at 302.655.2599 to hear from one of the experienced lawyers and learn more about your rights.

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