Being in a car accident, a slip and fall, or any other type of physically traumatic experience in St. Louis, MO, could leave you with broken bones. These are serious injuries that could result in significant medical expenses and the inability to perform your normal activities.
If the injury occurred because of another party’s conduct, you have the option to file a personal injury claim to recover your losses. Learn more about the types of broken bones you can sustain and what you can expect in the process of fighting for compensation.
Understanding Broken Bones
You can experience numerous types of bone fractures in an accident. These injuries cause significant swelling, skin discoloration, and bruising, while also making it impossible to move normally.
The following are the most common types of broken bones:
Compound Fractures
A compound fracture is severe because the bone breaks through the skin. You can see the broken bone, and you can also experience bleeding, as well as nerve damage that impacts sensations and motor function, and bruising. These injuries are easy to spot because of the visible bone.
Oblique Fractures
An oblique fracture is a break that occurs at a slanted or diagonal angle. It’s often the result of a twisting motion or force applied at an angle. The broken edges of the bone are often very sharp, potentially cutting into organs or damaging blood vessels. These breaks happen most frequently in long bones, like the tibia or femur.
These fractures can cause tenderness, swelling, and a visible deformity in the affected area. You won’t be able to place any weight on the bone or move it very much.
Transverse Fractures
This is a type of bone break that occurs straight across the bone at a 90-degree angle to its long axis. These are typically straight and smooth breaks. Movement of the affected area will be affected, and you will experience severe pain and swelling. Most of these injuries require wearing a cast. The more severe cases could require surgery.
Longitudinal Fractures
Longitudinal fractures are breaks that happen along the length of the bone. They don’t typically occur in long bones, but they cause similar symptoms, including pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Stress Fracture
Stress fractures are the mildest breaks you can sustain. They typically occur from repetitive strain on the bone, like performing the same motions for months at a time. Although they don’t take as long to heal as other breaks, they can be very painful and could prevent you from performing your everyday tasks.
Comminuted Fractures
A comminuted fracture occurs when a bone shatters into three or more pieces. These injuries are typically caused by high-impact trauma, such as car accidents or serious falls. Because the bone breaks into multiple fragments, comminuted fractures are often unstable and extremely painful, with significant swelling, bruising, and visible deformity.
The Impact of Broken Bones on Your Life
Broken bones can affect far more than just your physical health. Depending on the type and severity of the fracture, you may face extended recovery times, missed work, limited mobility, and the need for ongoing medical care or physical therapy. Severe fractures can lead to long-term complications such as chronic pain, reduced range of motion, or permanent disability.
Seeking Compensation for Broken Bone Injuries
When broken bones are caused by another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation for more than just your immediate medical costs. A personal injury claim can account for emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and the pain and suffering associated with your recovery.
In more severe cases, compensation may also address long-term care needs or permanent impairments. An experienced personal injury attorney can help gather evidence, calculate the full value of your losses, and pursue a fair settlement or verdict on your behalf.
Contact Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you’ve suffered broken bones due to someone else’s negligence, you don’t have to face the physical, emotional, and financial challenges alone. The team at Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers understands how devastating fracture injuries can be and is committed to helping you pursue the compensation you deserve.
From investigating the cause of your accident to negotiating with insurance companies, we will advocate for your best interests every step of the way. Contact Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers today at (636) 519-0085 for a free consultation and learn how we can help you move forward with confidence.