The Costs of Accidental Fractures

 Posted on November 17, 2023 in Personal Injury Lawsuits

Whether it be due to a motor vehicle collision, getting injured on the job, or slipping in your bathtub, accidental fractures cost victims millions of dollars each year. Even though a fracture may not seem serious, different fractures range in severity, with some fractures potentially becoming life-threatening if left untreated. If you have sustained an accidental fracture, you need to speak with a Lake County injury attorney to determine what damages you may be able to recover.

What is a Fracture?

A fracture is a broken bone. It can happen if your body experiences a trauma, like if you fall, are in a car accident, or if you are injured playing a sport. A bone fracture can occur when something hits your bone with enough force to break it in at least one place.

Although fractures are usually caused by trauma, you can suffer a fracture through repetitive movement if the motion is sustained over long periods of time. If you experience a bone break after a repetitive motion, this is known as a stress fracture.

Common symptoms of a bone fracture may include:

• Pain and swelling
• Tenderness
• Inability to move part of your body like you usually can
• Bruising or discoloration
• A deformity or bump that is not usually present

Cost of Medical Treatment

If you are taken to the ER following physical trauma, you can expect to pay at least a few hundred dollars to be treated by a physician. Medical imaging is often necessary to diagnose a bone break. The cost of any medical imaging test will depend on what part of the body is being scanned and the type of exam being performed. 

After your diagnosis, you may require surgery to repair the fracture. While some mild and stable fractures can heal on their own, more severe fractures will require surgery. 

For example, a common fracture that is seen in car accidents or high-speed collisions is a pelvic fracture. An unstable pelvic fracture means that there is a break in two or more points of the pelvis, which can result in severe bleeding. An unstable pelvic fracture left untreated can hinder a person’s mobility and even result in a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or a blood clot.

If a patient presents with a pelvic fracture, he or she will likely have other injuries related to the trauma. If medical intervention is not sought, these injuries may result in internal bleeding and eventual death.

Lost Wages

Medical bills are not the only expenses that should be taken into account when determining damages. A person who suffers a severe injury can miss weeks or months from work, resulting in lost wages. This lost income may feel overwhelming when medical bills begin to pile up.

If your injury was the result of another’s negligence, speak with a Waukegan bone fracture injury attorney at your earliest convenience.

Suffered an Accidental Fracture? Contact a Waukegan, IL, Fracture Injury Attorney Today

The medical costs of accident fractures can be excessive. Aside from seeking medical treatment, the amount of lost income is enough to make anybody’s head spin.

If you have suffered an accidental fracture, we want to hear from you. A Lake County, IL, bone fracture injury attorney is available to help you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact Salvi & Maher, LLP today online or by calling 847-662-3303 to schedule your free consultation.