Broken or fractured bones can result from accidental injury occurring in a variety of settings. In many instances, these injuries resolve in a relatively short period of time. However, fractures and breaks can also be more severe, sometimes requiring surgery and resulting in extremely high medical bills, permanent physical restrictions and lost income to the victim. In instances where you have been hurt as a result of fault or negligence, you may want to consult a qualified personal injury attorney.

The Fundamentals of Broken or Fractured Bones

Broken or fractured bones are some of the common injuries sustained by people involved in various types of accidents. There are over 6 million fractures in the United States annually. Fractures occur as a result of an impact in an accident or a fall. The severity of the fracture will be partly determined by the force of impact which leads to bones breaking.

Types of Fractures

Fractures can be of different types depending upon the type of damage done to the bones. Broadly classified, fractures can be either open or closed. In an open fracture, the broken bones tear through the skin and can protrude while closed fractures stay under the skin.

Closed fractures can further be classified into many other types. For instance, a complete fracture is when the bone disintegrates into two or more pieces. In an incomplete fracture, there is a break in the bone but it does not separate. A bone which has a crack on only one side is known as a greenstick fracture while a single fracture refers to a break in only one place. Bowing fractures are found in children and because here the bone bends and the bones of adults are not as malleable. The pain caused by all kinds of fractured bones can be intense.

Treatment and Recovery

The treatment of broken bones can take some time depending on the seriousness of the injury. Recovery and rehabilitation can take weeks to months for a complete recovery. Age and health of the injured person will determine the time needed. Immobilization of the injured limb is needed and a cast or splint is usually used for this purpose. Smaller bones do not require a cast.

In some cases, where there is significant bone damage, surgery may become essential. This is particularly true of cases where bone fragments are seen on the x-ray. Wires, plates, or pins may be used during the surgery to realign the bones. Physical therapy is a must after surgery is performed. Follow up checks are essential to ensure complete recovery and return to normal life. The arms, legs, nose, ribs, hands, ankles and feet are the common areas where fractured bones are found.

Seeking Compensation

The repair of broken bones can involve extensive (and expensive) medical treatment. Also, a cast or splint can severely limit your mobility and this will affect your ability to perform your job adequately. That in turn can translate into loss of income for quite a while. There may also be a need for long term physical therapy and this will mean an additional expense. Pain and suffering and loss of the ability to enjoy hobbies, sports, exercise and other activities will form the non-economic damages component of the compensation sought. A good personal injury lawyer can help you assess the value of your claim and the compensation you should reasonably expect from the claim.

Call a Qualified and Experienced Professional

Experienced and hardworking attorney Price McNamara handles fractured bones cases across New Orleans, Kenner, Lafayette, Mandeville, Lafourche, Terrebone, Jefferson, Orleans, East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, Ascension, and St. John Parishes. If you think that you have a basis for a personal injury claim, or have been hurt or injured due to someone’s negligence or fault, call Louisiana personal injury attorney Price McNamara at his Baton Rouge office (225-201-8311) or his Metairie office (504-458-8455) to have your queries answered or to schedule a free consultation. His extensive trial experience of over 20 years, proven track record, and limited caseload philosophy ensure that you will obtain excellent personal attention and a patient hearing on a consistent basis.