Broken Bones

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Broken bones are among the most common injuries people suffer in accidents. They are often treatable, but they can still result in significant medical expenses and prolonged recoveries.

If you sustained a broken bone in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence in Missouri, you may have legal options to pursue compensation. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help.

Table of Contents

Overview of Broken Bones

A broken bone, or bone fracture, can range from minor hairline cracks to complex breaks that require surgery to set the break using implant wires, plates, nails, or screws. Recovery often involves weeks or months of restricted mobility, time off work, and extensive medical care.

Some people suffer lasting effects or complications that impact their daily lives. If your broken or fractured bone was caused by negligence, you may have the right to seek full compensation through a personal injury claim.

How Common Are Broken Bones?

Fractures are one of the most frequently reported injuries in both emergency rooms and personal injury cases. They can affect people of any age and can occur in virtually any setting, from car accidents on highways to slip-and-fall accidents in grocery stores.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), millions of Americans suffer fractures each year, with falls and auto accidents being among the leading causes.

In Missouri, injury-related emergency room visits and hospitalizations due to fractures are especially common during winter months when slip and fall accidents increase.

Types of Broken Bones

There are several different types of bone fractures, each varying in severity and required treatment. The nature of the break can influence the length of your recovery and impact on your health. Some fractures require simple immobilization, while others involve complex surgeries.

Common types of fractures include:

Closed (simple) fracture: Your bone breaks but does not pierce the skin.
Open (compound) fracture: Your bone breaks and pierces the skin, increasing the risk of infection.
Comminuted fracture: Your bone shatters into multiple pieces, which usually requires surgery.
Greenstick fracture: Your bone partially breaks but not all the way through. This is common in children whose bones are still growing.

See a medical professional immediately if you suspect that you have a broken bone. Knowing the type of bone fracture you may have is important.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Broken Bones?

Not all broken bones are obvious. Some symptoms may mimic less severe injuries, such as sprains or bruises. Early detection and diagnosis are key to proper healing and avoiding complications.

Common symptoms of a broken bone or fracture include:

Severe pain at the injury site
Swelling or bruising
Inability to move the affected limb
Visible deformity or a limb bent at an odd angle
A grinding sensation or sound when moving the area
Protruding bone in the case of compound fractures

Seek immediate medical care if you experience any of these symptoms after an accident. A doctor will confirm the diagnosis with X-rays or other imaging tests.

What Are the Long-Term Consequences of Broken Bones?

Many broken or fractured bones heal completely, but others can leave lasting damage. This is especially true if you sustained a complex break or allowed it to heal improperly. Long-term issues may affect your mobility, ability to work, and quality of life.

Potential complications include:

Chronic pain
Nerve damage
Arthritis at the injury site
Muscle weakness or limited range of motion
The need for future surgeries or rehabilitation

These consequences should be carefully considered when calculating your damages in a personal injury claim. A personal injury lawyer can work with medical professionals to document the long-term impacts of your injuries so you can pursue full compensation.

What Causes Broken Bones?

Broken bones are typically caused by high-impact trauma or accidents where your arms, legs, or pelvis make quick, abrupt contact with a hard surface or object. Negligence plays a significant role in many injury cases, particularly when safety rules are disregarded or hazards are left unaddressed.

Common causes of broken bones include:

You may have a legal claim if these accidents caused your broken bone or fracture. An experienced personal injury lawyer in Missouri can determine who may be at fault and whether negligence was involved in the incident.

What Compensation Can I Recover for Broken Bones in Missouri?

You may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim if someone else’s carelessness caused your injury. Financial compensation can help offset the expenses and losses you have suffered since your accident.

A skilled Missouri injury attorney will evaluate your case and help pursue full damages. You may be eligible to recover:

Medical expenses for emergency room visits, surgeries, x-rays, and other treatments
Lost wages for time off work
Loss of future earning capacity for injuries that limit your ability to work
Pain and suffering for physical pain and emotional distress
Permanent disability or disfigurement
Loss of enjoyment of life

Insurance companies often try to undervalue these claims. Having a lawyer on your side can help you pursue compensation that reflects the full impact of your injury.

Have Broken Bones After an Accident in Missouri?

A broken bone may seem like a common injury, but the consequences can be serious, especially when another party is responsible. In these cases, you have the right to hold negligent parties accountable and seek compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial toll of your injury.

If you or a loved one suffered a broken bone or fracture in an accident in Missouri, a St. Louis personal injury lawyer can help.