Broken Bone Injuries
One of the most common types of DUI accident injuries is a broken bone injury. Bones break when the impact or force is too great for the bone to withstand. Broken bone injuries, or fracture injuries as they are also referred to, can have serious complications depending on the location of the injury, the severity of the break and the damage done to surrounding tissue. Recovering from a broken bone can take a few weeks, a few months or even a few years. The broken bone injury attorneys at Estey Bomberger realize the many challenges that victims of DUI accidents face – costly medical expenses, pain, suffering and confusion. Our law firm is here to help. We can help hold the negligent drunk driver accountable for your losses, which may include money for your medical costs, lost wages and pain and suffering.
Types of Broken Bones
Broken bones are broadly described as compound fractures or simple fractures. A compound fracture describes a break where the bone has penetrated the skin. A simple fracture describes a break where the bone has not broken through the skin. Compound fractures carry a higher risk of infection because the bone and surrounding tissue are exposed to bacteria. Additional types of broken bones include:
- • Buckle fracture – one side of the bone bends but does not break
- • Hairline fracture – a thin break that does not separate bone fragments
- • Single fracture – the bone is broken in only one location
- • Comminuted fracture – the bone is broken into several pieces
- • Impacted fracture – bone fragments are pushed into each other
- • Complete fracture – the bone is broken into two.
Treatment of a Broken Bone Injury
When treating a broken bone, doctors may need to reduce the bone, meaning they must improve the alignment of the bone ends so that the bone will heal as well as possible. To reduce a bone, doctors will either place the bone in a cast, sling or splint. If, after initial treatment the bone is still not adequately aligned, surgery may be required. During surgery, the use of pins, screws, plates and rods are often needed to help align a bone. Once the bone has been aligned, more specific treatment can begin. Treatment of a broken bone depends on many factors, including:
- • Recovery potential
- • Severity of break
- • Location of break
- • Additional injuries
- • Current medical health of victim
- • Age of victim.
Protecting Clients’ Rights to Fair Compensation
If you or a loved one has suffered a broken bone injury, do not speak to any insurance companies or sign any settlement agreements before you talk to a DUI accident victim lawyer at Estey Bomberger. Insurance companies may try to settle for much less than your claim is worth. Our personal injury lawyers will interview witnesses, recover police reports, and consult with experts in medicine and life planning to determine the fair amount of compensation you need for your short and long term injury recovery. Call (800) 784-9180 to schedule a free consultation. Our broken bone injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means until we win your case, you will pay nothing.
