Broken Bones and Serious Personal Injury Claims in Philadelphia
Personal injuries – injuries caused by the negligence or misconduct of another – can range from minor to severe. Broken bones can fall anywhere along that spectrum, but quite often when an accident is serious enough to break a bone, the accident and injury are catastrophic. Injuries like these require the help of a skilled and experienced personal injury attorney who understands the immediate and long-term consequences of a broken bone injury and its impact on one’s life and livelihood.
Below we look at the various aspects of bone fractures from a legal standpoint, including various types of fractures and their consequences as well as the legal recourse available for accident victims. If you or a loved one suffered a broken bone in a Philadelphia motor vehicle accident, slip and fall, construction accident or other incident caused by another’s negligence, contact Benedum Law to speak with an experienced Chestnut Hill personal injury lawyer.
Types of Bone Fractures Common in Personal Injury Claims
Bone fractures can vary significantly in severity depending on the force involved in the incident. Here are some common types of fractures that occur in personal injury cases:
- Simple Fractures: The bone breaks but does not pierce the skin.
- Compound Fractures: These are more severe, with the bone breaking through the skin, increasing the risk of infection.
- Comminuted Fractures: The bone shatters into several pieces, often requiring surgical intervention for repair.
- Stress Fractures: Small cracks in the bone that develop over time, commonly seen in overuse injuries but also in sudden accidents.
Each type of fracture can occur in different scenarios. For instance, high-impact car accidents might cause compound or comminuted fractures due to the intense force. Conversely, slip and fall incidents could result in simple fractures or stress fractures depending on the fall’s nature and the surface involved.
Consequences of Broken Bones
Broken bones in children often heal quickly with a full recovery, but for adults whose bones have stopped growing, the consequences can be much more severe. The repercussions of sustaining a fracture extend beyond the immediate pain and temporary disability:
- Infection Risk: Open fractures can expose bone and tissue to bacteria, leading to severe infections that complicate recovery and can even prove fatal.
- Surgical Necessity: Certain fractures, such as comminuted fractures, often require surgical intervention to properly align and fix the bone fragments. Some breaks require the insertion of screws, pins and other hardware to fix the bones in place while they heal.
- Long-term Treatment: Healing from a broken bone often involves lengthy periods of immobilization, physical therapy, and potentially multiple surgeries.
These medical interventions can result in substantial medical bills, prolonged absence from work, and long-term physical discomfort or disability, disrupting one’s life in countless ways.
Compensation for Fracture Injuries
Victims of accidents resulting in broken bones may be entitled to various forms of compensation, which can include:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for all treatment related to the fracture, from emergency care to physical therapy and any necessary surgeries now and into the future.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for any time off work and loss of earning capacity due to the injury.
- Pain and Suffering: This includes compensation for physical pain and emotional distress suffered as a result of the injury.
- Loss of Quality of Life: Compensation for any permanent disabilities or changes to the victim’s lifestyle.
How an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
Navigating the aftermath of an accident involving serious injuries like fractures can be overwhelming for victims. This is where the expertise of a skilled personal injury attorney becomes invaluable. With a deep understanding of the nuances of personal injury law in Philadelphia, Benedum Law is equipped to:
- Assess the Full Impact of the Injury: Ensuring that all current and future impacts of the injury are considered in any claim.
- Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Experienced lawyers can handle negotiations to ensure that compensation is fair and just, reflecting the true extent of the physical and emotional damages.
- Provide Legal Representation: If necessary, take the case to court to secure the compensation that the victim rightfully deserves.
Contact Benedum Law After a Serious Personal Injury in Philadelphia
While any injury can disrupt one’s life, broken bones are particularly severe and warrant careful legal and medical attention. The consequences of a fracture can permeate every aspect of a victim’s life, making skilled legal representation essential. If you or a loved one has suffered a fracture due to someone else’s negligence in Philadelphia, reaching out to Benedum Law can be the first step toward securing your rights and appropriate compensation for your suffering. Call 215-529-7848 for a free consultation over the phone, via video, or at our Chestnut Hill law office.
