Broken & Fractured Bones Injury Attorneys in Palm Coast, FL
Did you suffer broken bones in an accident in Palm Coast, FL? Did someone else’s careless or reckless actions cause you harm? If so, you may be entitled to seek compensation to cover your medical costs, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other losses associated with your injury.
Fractured bones range in severity. A broken bone in an elbow or knee can pose long-term physical challenges. Even minor breaks may require weeks to heal. If you have a physically demanding job, you may be unable to handle the demands of your job and have to take time off to recover. That could result in lost income. If you have a severe injury, you might need surgery and could face a long, painful recovery.
At Chiumento Law, PLLC, we understand the pain and stress you may be experiencing as a result of your injury. Our legal team can represent you and help you hold the at-fault party liable for your medical bills and related losses. You should not be forced to bear the costs of injuries caused by someone’s negligent action or misconduct.
When you contact us, an experienced and knowledgeable broken-bones injury attorney can review your accident and determine if you have a valid personal injury claim. Our full-service law firm has been helping injury victims in Palm Coast, Ormond Beach, and other areas in Florida for decades. We’re ready to help you, too. Call us today at (386) 445-8900. Let us help you get the justice you deserve. The case review is free.
Damages and Compensation for Bone Fractures
A Palm Coast broken bone injury attorney at Chiumento Law, PLLC can file an insurance claim on your behalf and negotiate a settlement with the insurance company. The type of claim we file will depend on the accident that led to your bone fracture.
For example, if you were in a car accident, we could initiate a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver’s car insurance.
You may seek compensation to cover the accident-related expenses and losses you have sustained, including:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
- Damage to personal property
- Lost earning capacity
- Physical impairment or disfigurement
- Emotional distress
- Loss of household services
If the insurance company refused to agree to a reasonable settlement, you may file a lawsuit and pursue justice in court. There is a specific timeframe for pursuing civil action against another party. Florida follows a two-year statute of limitations in personal injury cases. That means you must file a lawsuit within four years of the accident.
Overview of Broken Bones
A broken bone is also known as a fracture. Most fractures result from a force or pressure applied to the bone that is more than the bone can withstand. Sometimes, the injury only results in a slight crack in the bone. More serious fractures may involve multiple breaks or the entire bone may split apart.
The initial injury often causes intense pain that worsens if you try to move or put any pressure on the bone. For example, if you break your ankle and try to walk, you probably won’t be able to walk without excruciating pain.
The most common symptoms indicating a bone fracture are:
- Visible deformity
- Grinding or snapping sound when the injury happens
- Redness, bruising, and swelling
- Trouble moving or supporting weight at the site of the injury
It’s vital that you seek immediate medical attention if you believe you have suffered a broken bone. Even if the damage is minor, a doctor will need to evaluate the fracture to determine the type of treatment you need to avoid possible complications.
Top Causes of Broken Bones
Individuals can suffer a broken bone in a wide range of circumstances. Some fractures result from traumatic accidents, such as car crashes or falls. Some result from workplace accidents or sports injuries. Fractures range in severity.
The most common causes of broken bones are:
The violent impact of a traffic collision can cause bone fractures including broken arms, broken legs, and a crushed sternum. An accident victim may suffer a skull fracture from hitting his or her head against a hard surface during a collision. Motorcycles lack safety belts and airbags. Motorcycle riders may sustain a broken leg or broken pelvis in a motorcycle crash. Some riders get ejected from the motorcycle and land hard on the pavement, causing bone fractures. The force of a collision can be severe and injure any part of the body.
A person who is struck by a moving vehicle while crossing an intersection or walking across a parking lot may suffer bone fractures. If the motorist failed to yield the right of way as required, the injured pedestrian may have a right to seek compensation from the driver who caused the pedestrian accident.
People can fall and get hurt anywhere. You can be at a friend’s house
and fall down the stairs or slip on a wet floor at a grocery store or restaurant. Retail businesses have an obligation to inspect their premises regularly to identify and correct unsafe conditions. Any fall can cause a broken bone. Typically, falls from heights lead to serious fractures that require emergency medical care. If you fall and break a bone while on someone else’s property, you may have a right to seek compensation for your bone fractures and other injuries from the property owner’s insurance.
- Workplace Accidents
Bone fractures can occur at the workplace for various reasons. If you are an employee who is injured while doing your job, you may be eligible for paid medical care through your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. If someone other than your employer or a co-worker is responsible for the accident that caused your injuries, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim to seek compensation.
- Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
Older adults can suffer severe injuries, including bone fractures, in falls. Fractures may occur in nursing facilities if a caretaker doesn’t provide residents with the necessary assistance to help them move or perform basic maneuvers. In addition, residents who suffer a serious broken bone may never fully recover.
Most Commonly Broken Bones
Some bones fracture more easily than others.
Following is a list of bones most commonly broken in accidents:
- Collarbone
- Hip
- Wrist
- Arm
- Foot
- Ankle
- Leg
- Fingers and toes
Types of Broken Bones
Different terms describe a fracture’s location and the injury’s direction. The most common terms used to describe the location of the broken bones are:
- Anterior – Towards the front of the body
- Posterior – Towards the back of the body
- Proximal – Close to the center of the body
- Distal – Further from the center of the body
- Medial – Toward the middle of the body
- Lateral – Near the outer edge of the body
These terms indicate the direction of the break within the bone:
- Transverse – Across the bone
- Spiral – Spirals or extends along the length of the bone
- Oblique – At an angle
- Comminuted – Multiple fragments
A fracture can be open or closed. An open fracture refers to a fracture that breaks through the skin and causes an open wound. A closed fracture leaves the skin intact.
If you have suffered a bone fracture due to another person’s careless actions, you should immediately contact a Palm Coast personal injury attorney. The cost of medical treatment can lead to an economic burden you shouldn’t have to face alone. The legal team at Chiumento Law, PLLC, can help you pursue full compensation for your injuries.
How Are Broken Bones Treated?
The type of treatment you need will depend on the location of the fracture and the severity of the injury. Most broken bones require prompt medical care. The physician might take X-rays or perform other tests to determine a treatment plan. Some fractures require surgery to repair.
A displaced bone will need to be put back in the right position and stabilized so it can heal. The physician can set the bone in place and immobilize your injured body part using a splint or cast. Severe fractures might require surgery to hold the bone in place using rods, pins, or screws.
What Are the Complications Associated with Broken Bones?
Bone fractures can heal without long-term effects. But some injuries are serious and can cause various complications including loss of range of motion. The most common are:
- Stiff joints
- Swollen muscles
- Sores from wearing a cast
- Hemarthrosis – bleeding into a joint that causes pain and swelling
- Blood clots
- Infections
- Nerve and blood vessel damage
Seeking prompt treatment and following your doctor’s recommendations could help ensure your fracture heals correctly.
Contact a Broken Bones Lawyer in Palm Coast Today
Chiumento Law, PLLC, has been representing accident victims since 1973. We have a team of dedicated and compassionate personal injury attorneys to serve you. When you select Chiumento Law, we will fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
If you suffered broken bones in an accident due to someone else’s negligent actions, contact us online or call us today at (386) 445-8900 for a free consultation with a broken bone injury attorney. We can discuss your case at our Palm Coast or Ormond Beach office and determine the available legal options for holding the at-fault party liable and helping you move forward with your life.
