Broken Bones | Fractures - Personal Injury

Most people instantly recognize an arm or leg in a cast as a sure sign of an accident. Broken or fractured bones are some of the most common injuries resulting from serious accidents. These injuries may come as a result of a vehicle accident, slip and fall, or being struck by an object. While some fractures or breaks may heal quickly with surgery, some injuries may require extensive surgery, rehabilitation, and physical therapy. Sometimes, broken bones and fractures could also cause permanent disabilities. There are two distinct types of bone fractures:

• Traumatic bone fractures, which are due to an outside force, such as a car accident
• Pathologic fractures, which are the results of a disease, such as osteoarthritis.

Here are some of the most common bone injuries:

• Closed Fracture: This bone injury occurs when the bone is fractured but there is no part of the bone sticking out of the skin. This is the most common type of bone fracture and although there is no outward sign, there can be significant pain, swelling, loss of movement, numbness or weakness. Surgery may be required in serious fractures and very often, metal pins and plates are needed for the bone to heal properly. Many times, there are permanent problems with a fracture that can impair the patient’s usual lifestyle.

• Open Fracture: This bone injury occurs when a bone is fractured and part of the bone pokes through the skin. This serious bone injury can cause the same symptoms as a closed fracture but there are other concerns, as well. Infection, nerve damage and scarring are common with this type of bone injury. Surgery is also often required to repair the damage.

• Greenstick Fracture: This is a common injury in children. The bone bends and only fractures on one side, and if severe enough, can cause developmental problems as the child grows.

• Hairline Fracture: In this type of injury, the bone does not fragment and the fracture may not be very deep into the bone. However, these are also significant bone injuries and require medical attention.

There are other bone injuries, such as deep bone bruises, that can happen because of an accident.If you have suffered a broken bone or a fracture as a result of an auto accident or another's negligence or recklessness, contact our office for a case evaluation. We can represent personal injury clients who suffer broken bone or fracture injuries as a result of auto accidents, workplace accidents, and other accidents in North Carolina.