A collection of x-ray results showing various broken bones and fractures.Our bones provide the structure and strength our body needs to perform the various tasks we undertake daily. While our bones can withstand some pressure from outside forces, bones will break and fracture if enough force is placed on the bone or a body part is twisted beyond its capacity for range of motion.  While many people suffer at least one broken bone or fracture during their lifetime, there is a difference between an accidental injury and an injury caused by the negligent or wrongful acts of another person or party. If you suffer a fractured or broken bone because of the acts of another party, it is important to seek legal counsel to determine your legal options for recovering compensation for your damages.nnCall The Clark Law Office at 517-347-6900 to schedule a free legal consultation with an Okemos injury attorney.

Common Causes of Accidental Fractures and Broken Bones

Broken bones and fractures are some of the most common injuries accident victims suffer. You can suffer a broken bone or fracture when your body absorbs the impact of a collision, is tossed about suddenly, collides with an object, or is twisted or crushed.  Common types of accidents that cause fractures and broken bones include:

  • Falls — Slips and falls are some of the most common types of accidents that result in broken bones and fractures. Falls can occur anywhere, including schools, retail stores, vacation resorts, work, public buildings, and commercial businesses.
  • Car Accidents — Car accidents are another common cause of broken bones and fractures. The impact of the vehicles can cause the occupants to be crushed thereby breaking or fracturing bones. An accident may cause a person to be tossed about the vehicle also causing broken bones.
  • Motorcycle Accidents — Motorcyclists are at risk for broken bones and fractures in accidents because they do not have the protection provided by a car’s frame or its safety features such as airbags.
  • Commercial Truck Accidents — The majority of victims of commercial truck accidents are the occupants of other vehicles. A passenger vehicle is unable to withstand the force of an impact with a commercial truck resulting in catastrophic damage to the passenger vehicle, placing the vehicle’s occupants at a higher risk of injury.
  • Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents — Pedestrian and bicyclists also lack the protection provided to occupants of a vehicle during an accident. These individuals have no protection during a crash, thereby making them vulnerable to broken bones and fractures.
  • Workplace Accidents — Falls and equipment accidents are common causes of broken bones and fractures in the workplace. A lack of safety policies and safety equipment are often a factor in a workplace injury.
  • Recreational Sports — Many of the broken bones or fractures sustained during recreational sports are accidents. However, if defective equipment, lack of safety equipment, hazardous conditions, or lack of supervision is a factor in the injury, one or more parties may be liable for damages.

A variety of personal injury accidents can cause broken bones and fractures. Discussing your case with an experienced Okemos accident attorney is your first step in seeking a fair and just settlement for your injury claim.

What Type of Bone Fracture Did You Sustain?

Any of the bones in your body can break or fracture during a personal injury incident. However, common areas of the body that sustain broken bones and fractures during an accident include feet, ankles, limbs, wrists, neck, hands, ribs, pelvis, collarbone, spine, and skull.  Examples of the types of fractures that an accident victim may sustain include:

  • Stable Fracture — A broken bone that lines up correctly when set by a physician.
  • Oblique Fracture — A fracture that is at an angle.
  • Transverse Fracture — The break in the bone runs horizontally across the bone.
  • Open Compound Fracture — The bone comes through the skin, or an object penetrates through the skin to break the bone.
  • Comminuted Fracture — The bone shatters in three or more fragments.

Even though all broken bones and fractures are serious, some types of fractures can be more difficult to repair. A surgeon may need to use metal plates, rods, pins, and screws to repair and stabilize the broken bone. Depending on the location of the fracture and the type of fracture, an accident victim may suffer permanent impairment and disability because of the injury.  In many cases, an accident victim may require surgery, pain medication, and extensive physical therapy to recover from a bone injury. Some victims develop complications because of the fractured or broken bone. Complications that might arise from a broken or fractured bone include chronic pain, infection, poor healing, blood vessel or nerve damage, arthritis, and compartment syndrome.  It is important to work closely with your doctor and your Michigan personal injury attorney to determine your impairment rating and future damages. You might be entitled to additional compensation for a permanent impairment, future loss of income, and future medical expenses in addition to your current damages.

Children Who Suffer Fractured and Broken Bones in an Accident

It is extremely important that your child’s injury is evaluated to determine if the fractured or broken bone involves a growth plate. The injury could impact a child’s growth process if the fracture or broken bone involves a growth plate. Therefore, the injury may need to be monitored by a physician for several years if the injury involves a growth plate.

Elderly Accident Victims and Broken Bones or Fractures

Elderly adults are at a higher risk for complex fractures because of their advanced age and other health conditions. When an older adult suffers a broken bone or fracture, the person may need to undergo surgery to repair or stabilize the fracture. This process can be very painful for the person and require extensive physical therapy and rehabilitation after the surgery.

How Can Our Injury Attorneys Help You Receive Compensation for Fractures and Broken Bones?

If you or a loved one has suffered a broken bone or fracture, it is important to contact an experienced Okemos personal injury attorney right away. An attorney can help you identify the liable parties, gather the evidence needed to prove fault and damages, and protect you from unfair tactics used by insurance companies to underpay or deny your insurance claim.  Call The Clark Law Office at 517-347-6900 to schedule a free legal consultation with an Okemos personal injury lawyer. We provide skilled, experienced, and vigorous representation for accident victims and their families.

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