Broken bones, or fractures, can be severe injuries that are a result of an Illinois accident. These injuries can lead not only to time off from work but the need for surgery, rehabilitation and therapy, all of which can be very costly.
When someone else’s negligence causes an individual to suffer injuries, such as broken bones, they may be held liable for damages. Recovery of damages may be possible through the filing of an Illinois personal injury claim, which is where the help of a Chicago personal injury attorney comes in.
Overview of Broken Bones and Fractures in an Illinois Accident
There is sometimes confusion about whether broken bones or fractures are worse. The truth is that they are actually the same thing. The only difference is the type of broken bone or fracture suffered.
Depending on the accident, you can suffer multiple broken bones that require a lengthy amount of time to recover. When a bone is unable to withstand the force placed upon it, it can fracture. The severity of the fracture will depend on the amount of force and the strength of the bone.
For instance, if an individual was already suffering from a bone loss disorder such as osteoporosis, the fracture may be more complicated. Additionally, a head-on collision compared to a minor fender-bender will also play a part in the amount of damage suffered from broken bones.
Types of Fractures
There are different types of fractures that can happen in an accident, which may include the following body parts:
- shoulder;
- arm;
- hand/wrist;
- hip/pelvis;
- leg; and
- foot/ankle.
Broken bones can also be much more complicated, affecting only certain bones in the shoulder, for instance. This is why the treatment of fractures can be very complex and lead to a long road of recovery.
Complications of Broken Bones After An Accident
There are complications that can arise from broken bones as a result of an accident in Illinois. When a bone takes longer to heal than normal, that is known as a delayed union. When a bone fails to heal, that is known as a nonunion.
Some of the causes of a nonunion include:
- not enough blood flow to the bone;
- infection;
- improper stabilization of fracture; and
- fractured ends of the bone separate.
The types of fractures that have a higher risk of turning into a nonunion include:
- femoral neck fractures;
- scaphoid fractures;
- fifth metatarsal fractures; and
- talus fractures.
These complications may lead to the need for additional treatment such as surgery, stabilization or a bone graft.
Broken bones that take a longer time to heal or fail to heal can mean even more time off from work. This can lead to additional financial burdens, which may be recovered in an Illinois personal injury claim in certain cases.
How a Chicago Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
A Chicago personal injury attorney will understand the complications of pursuing damages after you have suffered injury in an accident. Proving negligence and determining the amount of compensation that may be recovered is best done with the help of an experienced attorney.
A Chicago personal injury attorney will collect documentation, police records, medical reports and other items that will help to build a solid case of evidence to fight for your Illinois personal injury claim.
In addition, a Chicago personal injury attorney will consider all of the costs involved in your injuries including time off from work, medical bills and any future treatments or surgeries that will be necessary to treat your broken bones. They will work hard to help you fight for what you may be entitled to after suffering broken bones in an Illinois accident.
When to Hire a Chicago Personal Injury Attorney
A Chicago personal injury attorney at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. has dealt with similar cases to yours and knows the best course of action for your claim. To improve your chances at a fair settlement and take the burden out of all the paperwork involved in an Illinois personal injury claim, contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.
