When an Indianapolis Accident Leads to Broken Bones
When an Indianapolis accident leads to broken bones, you may be forced to take time off from work, endure surgery and extensive rehabilitation, and take a break from activities you once enjoyed. If you are suffering with a broken bone because of someone else’s negligent actions, you should consider filing an Indiana personal injury claim to recover damages.
Broken bones, also called fractures, are common injuries seen in accidents involving cars, pedestrians and bicyclists. They can occur when any kind of trauma applies more force than your bone can withstand. Because broken bones can force you to lose a significant amount of income, an Indianapolis accident lawyer would be a good resource to explain your legal options.
A Close Look at the Anatomy of Broken Bones
When trauma causes a bone to break, split or splinter, the result will range from a hairline fracture to an open compound fracture. The hairline fracture, which is less serious, is usually related to prolonged stress on the bone. An open compound fracture, on the other hand, involves the bone breaking and protruding through skin.
It’s crucial that you seek medical care if you suspect that you have broken any bones in an Indianapolis accident. Any delay in seeking treatment could cause your condition to worsen.
The bones that are most commonly broken in accidents are the following:
- Wrists
- Arms
- Legs
- Hips
However, facial bones and those in the spinal cord can also be broken in an accident. As the victim of someone else’s negligence, you should contact an Indianapolis accident lawyer, who will review the police report from your accident and interview witnesses to pinpoint negligence. If it’s determined that you have a legitimate case, your lawyer will set the stage for an Indiana personal injury claim.
Signs that You Have Broken a Bone in an Indianapolis Accident
Your lawyer may explain that your Indiana personal injury claim could be weakened if you don’t seek immediate medical care for a broken bone. Besides increasing your risk of infection and permanent deformity, a delay in treatment could cast doubt on your injury and credibility. Be on the lookout for signs of a broken bone, which include:
- Limbs or joints that appear deformed or out of place
- Excruciating pain
- Tingling or numbness in the area that suffered trauma
- Extreme swelling or bruising
- No range of motion in the affected body part
When you arrive at an emergency room, you can expect a physical exam, X-ray and maybe soft-tissue exams such as an MRI or CT scan if soft-tissue damage is also suspected.
Treatment for a Broken Bone
Aside from being painful, a broken bone can profoundly affect your life. Depending on the severity of the break, treatment could include casting, pain medication and plenty of rest. Sometimes surgery will be necessary to reposition the broken bone.Treatment also will involve physical therapy to restore and improve range of motion and strength in the affected limb.
The treatment plan for a broken bone can quickly add up at a time when you’re incapacitated, taking time off from work and losing much-needed income. You can count on your lawyer to keep this in mind when preparing your Indiana personal injury claim. There’s no reason why you should shoulder the cost of someone else’s negligence.