Broken/Fractured Bone from an Accident? Our Attorneys Can Help.
Broken bones are among the most easily identifiable injuries after an accident. The intense pain and loss of mobility are unmistakable. Unfortunately, broken bone injuries vary widely in severity and prognosis. While some breaks heal cleanly without excessive intervention, others never heal fully and leave victims with lifelong pain and mobility issues.
Because broken bones can be so costly to treat and may leave you without income for an extended period of time, you absolutely need a Chicago broken bones lawyer if your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence. Our no win no fee lawyers are ready to help. Call today at (312) 236-2900 or contact us online.
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Broken Bone?
After an accident that leaves a victim with broken bones, they often wonder if they really need an attorney. After all, their injuries are obvious and the other party’s role in the accident is clear. If the insurance company will just pay out a fair settlement, why bother getting an attorney involved?
Because you cannot just trust the insurance company to pay out a fair settlement. Their primary interest is their bottom line, and they will do anything they’re legally permitted to do in order to minimize victims’ settlements and put more money in their own pockets. This may mean getting you on the phone and getting you to admit that your injury isn’t so bad and that you feel fine. It might mean digging into your social media to find evidence that you have been physically active since the accident.
By the time you realize that the settlement you received is far lower than it should be, it’s too late to fight back and ask for more. That’s why you need an attorney before you communicate with the liable party’s insurance provider. They can examine the circumstances of your accident and injuries to figure out how much you should ask for. Your attorney will negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Broken Bones
Broken bones are a common outcome of many types of accidents. Personal injury laws allow you to seek damages for many of these, including:
Types of Fractures
Broken bones are typically defined by how severe they are and whether or not they penetrate the skin. The type of fracture you suffer will significantly impact your healing process and the amount of time you have to spend away from work.
- Simple fracture. In general, this is one of the best possible outcomes for victims. In a simple fracture, the bone snaps off cleanly and without splinters. It is usually easier to set and heal than more complex fractures.
- Closed fracture. A closed fracture occurs when the broken bone does not penetrate the skin. This keeps the risk of infection relatively low but does still require medical intervention and treatment.
- Non-displaced fracture. When the bone breaks but does not move out of place, you have a non-displaced fracture. This is often fairly easy to treat since it just involves reconnecting the bones and setting them.
- Displaced fracture. After a bone breaks and significantly changes its alignment, it is a displaced fracture. These are much more challenging than non-displaced breaks since the bones must be realigned before being set.
- Greenstick fracture. Children are especially prone to greenstick fractures, which occur when the bone bends, rather than breaking.
- Oblique fracture. Oblique breaks are those that occur at a curved or slanted angle. This makes the break extremely difficult to set, which may hinder the victim’s recovery.
- Transverse fracture. This is a simple fracture that happens at a 90-degree angle. As a result, it is relatively easy to set.
- Spiral fracture. Known for being excruciatingly painful, spiral fractures happen when the bone twists and breaks.
- Linear fracture. Often found on long bones like those of the arms and legs, linear fractures occur vertically down the bone. Like spiral fractures, they are extremely painful.
- Comminuted fracture. Comminuted fractures can be extremely difficult to treat, as they happen when a bone breaks at several points. This may result in the bone getting shattered.
Getting Compensation for Broken Bones
Even the cleanest, most minor fracture will require medical intervention and time away from work. When you’re dealing with more complicated breaks, the expenses increase rapidly. That’s why it’s important to seek compensation if you are entitled to it. If you can demonstrate that the other party directly caused your injuries through negligence, you may be entitled to damages for:
- Medical expenses, both present and future
- Lost wages
- Lost future income if the nature of the fracture permanently limits your mobility or ability to work
- Costs of hiring help for household chores, child care, and other types of assistance you may need because of your fracture
- Pain and suffering
Let Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. Help
If you’ve suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence, you shouldn’t have to worry about insurance issues while trying to focus on healing. When you choose Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C., you can feel confident knowing that we will handle your legal needs while you concentrate on the hard work of recovery.
To discuss your case now, fill out our contact form or call us at (312) 236-2900. Consultations are free and there are no up-front costs.
