While seemingly minor, broken bones from car accidents can lead to significant medical expenses and complications. This article explains the different types of fractures and why it’s crucial to consult a California personal injury lawyer if you’ve suffered such an injury. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the claims process and fight for the compensation you deserve for medical bills and lost income. Contact GJEL for a free consultation.
Broken bones might seem like a minor injury. After all, injured motorists do not face imminent death because they have broken an arm or a leg.
Nevertheless, bone breaks are serious injuries that can require expensive medical treatment.
If you have suffered a broken bone in a car accident, you should consult with a California personal injury lawyer to discuss whether you can receive compensation.
Types of Bone Fractures
Bones can break in many different patterns, and doctors have classified the most common:
- Hairline fracture. This is a tiny fracture that often heals on its own.
- Transverse fracture. The bone break is perpendicular to the shaft.
- Compound fracture. The broken bone pierces the skin, leaving both a bone break and a flesh wound. If a break does not pierce the skin, the break is called a “closed fracture.”
- Comminuted fracture. The bone shatters into many different pieces.
- Avulsion fracture. The bone breaks clear away from any tendons or ligaments, which usually are reattached with surgery.
- Buckle fracture. The bone bends but does not break. This is common in children whose bones are more flexible than those of adults.
Treating a broken bone can be very expensive. If your bone has shattered or has broken in a complex place, you might need a pin, screw, or plate inserted. Surgery carries its own risks, such as infection and problems with anesthesia. Your body might also be allergic to the material the pin, plate, or screw is made of, which might require additional rounds of surgery.
It is not unusual for surgery to cost over $15,000, including doctor’s fees and the cost of any implement like a plate. If you need additional time in the hospital to recover, you can pay much more. Also, these amounts do not cover the cost of any lost wages if your broken bones prevent you from working, which, depending on the patient, could be considerable.
Complications from Broken Bones
Bones should heal if given enough time, but many complications can result. For example, if the bone is not set properly, it might become deformed when it heals, resulting in pain, disfigurement, and problems with mobility. A doctor should take great care when setting the bone and check to ensure it has healed properly.
Because compound fractures break the skin, they can become infected. Check for discolored skin, pus drainage, or increased sensitivity and pain. Your doctor might need to prescribe antibiotics to beat back the infection.
Speak with a California Car Accident Lawyer
Injured motorists need financial compensation to cover their medical treatment costs and replace lost wages. Unfortunately, at-fault drivers and their insurance carriers are not in the habit of making fair settlement offers, so you will need an experienced car accident lawyer in your corner from the start.
While a broken bone might not initially appear as life-threatening as other injuries sustained in a car accident, it is undeniably a serious medical issue with the potential for substantial financial burdens and long-term complications.
The various types of fractures, ranging from hairline to compound and comminuted, each require specific and often expensive medical interventions, including surgery, hospitalization, and rehabilitation. Furthermore, the possibility of complications such as improper healing and infection underscores the importance of proper medical care and the potential for ongoing medical needs.
Given the significant costs associated with treating broken bones and the reluctance of at-fault parties and their insurance companies to offer fair settlements, seeking the guidance of an experienced California car accident lawyer is a crucial step for injured motorists.
A knowledgeable attorney can thoroughly assess the circumstances of your accident, understand the full extent of your injuries and their financial implications, and effectively negotiate with insurance providers to ensure you receive the compensation necessary to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Their expertise levels the playing field and significantly increases your chances of obtaining a just outcome.
If you have suffered a broken bone in a car accident in California, don’t underestimate the seriousness of your injury or the potential challenges in securing fair compensation. Contact GJEL Accident Attorneys today for a free consultation.
Our experienced team is dedicated to advocating for the rights of injured motorists and has a proven track record of recovering substantial financial compensation for our clients. Let us put our skills and resources to work for you, ensuring your focus can remain on your recovery while we handle the complexities of your legal claim.
At GJEL, our lawyers have recovered almost a billion dollars in financial compensation for our clients, and we want to use our skills for you. Call 866-249-2176 to schedule your free consultation.