Broken bones are a common type of personal injury. While many injuries involving a bone break (fracture) can heal with minimal intervention, others may require surgery and a lengthy recovery process.
Familiarizing yourself with the common causes and repercussions of broken bones can help you and your family navigate the experience. Here’s what you need to know.
What Happens When You Break a Bone?
Your body undergoes a series of immediate and long-term reactions when you fracture a bone. The severity of the incident will vary based on factors such as:
- How old you are
- The type and severity of the break
- Which bone did you fracture
For instance, breaking your pinky finger may require minimal intervention and probably won’t involve surgery. Conversely, fracturing your femur could be potentially life-threatening.
What Are the Different Types of Bone Breaks?
Fractures are classified by the nature of the break. Here are some of the most common types:
Simple Fracture
A simple fracture is a clean break where your bone doesn’t puncture the skin. These injuries are easier to treat and generally have fewer complications.
Compound Fracture
Compound fractures occur when the bone breaks through the skin. This type of injury is also known as an “open fracture.” It carries far more risk than a simple break. Some additional concerns include:
- An increased risk of infection
- Stitches or staples
- Tissue damage
- Scarring
These types of injuries require immediate medical attention. If you or a loved one suffers a compound fracture, contact emergency medical personnel right away.
Comminuted Fracture
If your bone shatters into three or more pieces, it is considered a comminuted fracture. Doctors will typically have to perform surgery to piece your bone back together. They may also have to install medical hardware, including rods, pins, screws, or plates.
While these materials can sometimes be removed, they may also have to be left in for the long term, which can cause ongoing pain and discomfort.
Greenstick Fracture
A greenstick fracture occurs when a bone bends and cracks. This is common in children because their skeletons are still developing and are more pliable.
Hairline Fracture
A hairline fracture is a tiny crack in the bone. It’s often caused by repetitive stress or overuse but can also be attributed to minor falls.
What Are Some Common Causes of Broken Bones?
Broken bones can happen during a wide range of incidents, including:
Car Accidents
A car accident can result in broken bones if your vehicle or the other vehicle is traveling at high speeds. Even seemingly “minor” crashes can cause fractures and a slew of other injuries, including bruising, lacerations, and muscle soreness.
It’s important to contact a legal professional if you’ve been injured in a car accident. An experienced attorney can review the circumstances of your case and help you file a personal injury claim.
Slips and Falls
Falls, particularly from significant heights or on hard surfaces, can easily cause fractures. Common sites for slips and falls include workplaces, shopping centers, and private properties.
If another party’s negligence contributed to your slip and fall bone break, you can take legal action. A skilled lawyer can evaluate the extent of your injuries and other facts of your case to help you determine what to do next.
Sports Injuries
Engaging in high-contact sports or activities without proper safety gear can lead to broken bones. Football, hockey, and cycling are a few common culprits. Even with proper safety gear, these sports can be risky.
Assault
Suffering an assault can be an extremely traumatic experience. It may also leave you with lasting physical and emotional harm, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bruises, scarring, and broken bones.
If you’ve been injured in an assault, it’s vital to contact law enforcement immediately. The Nashville Police Department will conduct a thorough investigation and work to bring the perpetrator to justice.
However, you are not limited to criminal action. You can also take civil action against your attacker. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you evaluate your options and determine whether filing a civil suit for damages is the best path forward.
What Are Common Treatments Options for a Broken Bone?
Most broken bones will heal in about six to eight weeks. Here are a few common medical interventions that doctors will use to facilitate the healing process:
Immobilization
Doctors will typically immobilize the limb affected by the break to promote healing. They may use a hard cast or sling, depending on the location of the injury. For instance, physicians can use a shoulder sling to immobilize the arm and shoulder when someone suffers a broken clavicle. The doctor will likely use a hard cast if the person breaks their leg.
Surgery
Severe fractures, such as the compound or comminuted variety, usually require surgical intervention. The doctors may need to install metal rods, screws, or plates to stabilize the bone.
Physical Therapy
After the bone has healed, you may need to participate in physical therapy. This process will help you restore strength and mobility to the affected area. This is especially important if your limb is immobilized for a long time.
Potential Complications
A simple bone break typically heals appropriately with minimal intervention. However, it’s important to be aware of common complications that might occur during your healing process. If you notice any of the following, contact your doctor immediately:
- Chronic pain
- Fever
- Swelling
- Limping
- Drainage from the wound
These are short-term complications that could occur during the healing process. You may also experience lasting repercussions that impact your quality of life and mobility. For instance, if you shatter your femur and doctors have to install a metal rod, you may have a diminished ability to run and jump for the rest of your life.
Due to the potential consequences of a broken bone, you should never treat an accident or the injuries it causes as “routine.” It’s important to know your rights and, if necessary, take legal action against those responsible for your injuries.
Taking Legal Action
You may be entitled to compensation if you’ve suffered a broken bone due to someone else’s negligence. Here’s how to navigate the process:
- Document your injury
- Schedule a consultation with a skilled personal injury lawyer
- Fight for damages
- Settle or take your case to trial
An experienced lawyer will strive for a prompt resolution by negotiating a fair settlement on your behalf. They can take your case to trial if they can’t reach fair terms with the other party.
Contact Our Trusted Nashville Personal Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one has suffered a fracture or other injuries due to someone else’s negligence, you need to act fast. Contact Labrum Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers or call us at (615) 685-8546 and schedule a consultation with our team. Our experienced Nashville personal injury lawyer can evaluate your case and help you decide what to do next.
