Broken Bones & Fractures in NM
A broken bone, or fracture, occurs when a bone is cracked or broken due to trauma. Fractures can vary in severity, but even minor breaks can cause significant pain limited mobility and require costly medical care. Understanding the types of fractures and the accidents that cause them is crucial when seeking compensation.
Types of Bone Fractures
The severity and complexity of a fracture can affect your treatment options and recovery time. Some fractures may heal relatively quickly, while others require surgery and extensive rehabilitation or may result in permanent impairment.
The most common types of bone fractures include:
Simple Fracture
A simple fracture is a clean break where the bone doesn’t pierce the skin. While this type of fracture is often easier to treat, it can still result in significant pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected limb.
Compound Fracture
A compound fracture, or an open fracture, is a serious injury where the bone breaks through the skin. This type of fracture not only causes extreme pain but also significantly increases the risk of infection due to the exposed bone and tissue.
Comminuted Fracture
A comminuted fracture occurs when the bone shatters into three or more pieces. This type of break is often the result of high-impact trauma, such as in a car accident or fall.
Greenstick Fracture
Commonly seen in children, a greenstick fracture happens when one side of the bone breaks while the other bends, like how a green twig breaks. This type of fracture can heal more quickly than other breaks, but it may still require a cast or splint and close monitoring to ensure proper alignment as the child grows.
Stress Fracture
A stress fracture is a small, hairline crack in the bone, often caused by repetitive stress or overuse. This type of injury is common in athletes or individuals engaged in high-impact activities. Though the fracture may seem minor, ignoring it can lead to further injury.
Transverse Fracture
A transverse fracture is a break that occurs horizontally across the bone, usually resulting from a direct blow or force to the affected area. While these fractures can sometimes be treated with a cast or brace, more severe cases may require surgery to realign the bone.
Oblique Fracture
An oblique fracture occurs when the bone breaks at an angle, typically because of twisting forces or sharp, angled impacts. This type of fracture can be more challenging to treat due to the risk of the bone shifting out of place. Depending on the severity, surgery may be required to stabilize the bone and promote proper healing.
Accidents That Cause Broken Bones
Broken bones can result from various accidents, each with its own risks and circumstances. Whether it’s a high-speed collision or a simple fall, the force applied to your body can lead to painful and debilitating fractures. Common causes of bone fractures include:
Car Accidents
Car accidents are one of the leading causes of broken bones. The sheer force of a collision, especially in high-speed crashes, can result in fractures to various parts of the body.
Slip and Falls
Falling from a height or slipping on a wet surface can cause serious fractures in the hips, wrists, or ankles. Even a fall from a short height can cause severe injuries if the victim lands awkwardly.
Workplace Accidents
Certain industries, such as construction, manufacturing, and transportation, pose a high risk for broken bones. Workers may be injured by falling from heights, being struck by heavy machinery, or having objects dropped on them.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents
Bicyclists and pedestrians are extremely vulnerable when involved in motor vehicle accidents. The impact of being hit by a car or truck can result in broken bones in the arms, legs, ribs, and even the skull
Treating Broken Bones
Treating a broken bone can be a lengthy and costly process. Depending on the severity of the fracture, treatments may include:
- Casting or Splinting: Most simple fractures are treated with a cast or splint to immobilize the bone and allow it to heal properly.
- Surgery: Severe fractures, such as compound or comminuted breaks, often require surgical intervention, including the insertion of screws, plates, or rods to stabilize the bone.
- Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation is often necessary to restore strength and mobility after the bone heals.
The recovery period can range from weeks to months, and lifelong impairments may result in severe cases. A skilled broken bones attorney can help you pursue compensation for both immediate and long-term medical costs.
Compensation for Broken Bones in NM
If another party’s negligence caused your broken bone injury, you may be eligible to pursue compensation to cover the physical, emotional, and financial impacts of your injury. If someone’s negligence caused your broken bone injury, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Medical Expenses
The costs associated with treating a broken bone can quickly add up, especially if your injury is severe. Compensation can cover various medical expenses, surgeries to repair the fracture, and post-operative care such as physical therapy and rehabilitation.
Lost Wages
Fractures often require weeks or even months of recovery, during which you may be unable to work. Compensation for lost wages helps cover the income you’ve missed while recovering from your injury. This can include past lost wages and any future income you may miss.
Pain and Suffering
Broken bones are not only physically painful but can also take an emotional toll on your well-being. Compensation for pain and suffering accounts for the physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by your injury.
Loss of Earning Capacity
In some cases, a broken bone may result in permanent limitations or disabilities that prevent you from returning to your previous job or working in the same capacity. Suppose your injury leads to reduced mobility, chronic pain, or an inability to perform tasks required for your job. In that case, you may be entitled to compensation for losing future earning potential.
Who’s Liable for Broken Bone Injuries?
Liability for broken bone injuries depends on the circumstances surrounding your accident. The responsible party could be:
- A Negligent Driver: If your injury occurred in a car accident, the at-fault driver may be liable for your damages.
- A Property Owner: The owner may be responsible if you slipped and fell due to hazardous conditions on someone else’s property.
- An Employer: Your employer may be held liable for workplace accidents if they fail to provide a safe working environment.
- Manufacturers: In cases where defective products caused your injury, the manufacturer may be accountable.
Identifying the liable party is crucial to securing full compensation, and a knowledgeable attorney can help you build a strong case.
