Broken bones and fractures caused by others (such as car accidents, nursing home falls, defective sidewalks or surfaces, or at children’s playgrounds) typically involve a high force impact or stress that results in a more severe crack or total displacement of the bone. When the broken bone is caused by someone else’s carelessness, the responsible party is held accountable for all of the damages done to the injured person.
The long terms effects of bone fractures can forever change a person’s life.
Broken bone not healing? Contact Sweetser Law Office at (509) 444-4444 for a free consultation with a Spokane broken bone injury attorney!
Severe displaced, compound, comminuted, or compression fractures are extremely painful and often lead to permanent complications. If a bone heals improperly because it is in a rotated position or at an incorrect angle, this is called malunion. Internal fixation (screws), plates or corrective surgery is often required.
Broken bones cause pain because nerve endings that encapsulate our bones contain sensory fibers that become inflamed when a bone is broken. Broken bones internally bleed, and this, in turn, causes swelling (edema) and pain. As your body attempts to repair a broken bone, any movement will cause more pain, so the injured limb is immobilized. Still, muscles spasm around the injured area as the muscles try to hold the broken bone fragments in place, and cause more pain.
Fractures that occur in the joints can lead to arthritis and limiting the range of motion. Even when the fracture is completely healed, there can still be scarring, chronic arthritis, physical disability and limited mobility. This is especially true with fractures involving the wrist, knuckles, elbows, hips, knees, and ankles.
Fractured bones can result in nerve injury if the fractured bone or fragments that break off of the bone damage nearby nerve tissues or fibers. Nerve injuries affect blood vessels near the fracture site. In the most extreme cases, Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) can happen where the pain and nerve sensitivity continue long after the bone has healed. CRPS happens during the trauma of the injury when the bone fracture permanently damages the nervous system.
Fractures involving the head, neck, and spine can cause serious and permanent injury beyond that of the broken bone. A skull fracture can push on the brain, bruising it and causing increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Left untreated, ICP can cause permanent brain injury and death. A broken neck injury could damage the spinal cord, resulting in temporary or even permanent paralysis.
Diagnostic imaging is commonly used to diagnose a fracture or broken bone. Dislocation can usually be seen on an X-ray. Additionally, if a smaller fracture is suspected but not obvious on an X-ray, more advanced imaging diagnostics such as a CT-scan or MRI can be used.
Orthopedic injuries include broken bones, stress fractures, dislocations or deterioration of the bone.
If you or the ones you love have suffered a fracture or broken bone, Sweetser Law Office is here to help you obtain the medical care you need and the financial recovery you deserve. We understand that traumatic fractures can be extremely painful and life-altering. You can call us today. For more information about what our past clients have to say, visit our Testimonials page.
We can manage the insurance issues for you, making sure you get the best possible compensation for the injuries you have suffered. Contact us today at (509) 444-4444.