Broken/Fractured Bones
A broken or fractured bone is a common injury. However, it can require a long healing process and leave a person unable to work or do other activities they enjoy for an extended period. Many different types of accidents can lead to a fractured or broken bone, such as car, motorcycle, or boat crashes, as well as slip and falls. If you’ve sustained a broken bone as a result of someone else’s careless actions, you may be able to receive compensation for your harm. Miami injury lawyer can help you pursue a lawsuit to protect your rights after an accident. We serve Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, as well as other Florida areas, ensuring our clients are diligently represented throughout their legal proceedings.
Types and Causes of Bone FracturesThe medical term for when a bone “breaks” is called a fracture, which occurs when a bone is subject to too much force, either due to a blow or repeated twisting or stress. Like any injury, there are varying degrees of fractures, and some can be life-changing. Displaced fractures occur when bones break in more than two places, usually due to a sudden impact. These injuries result in the bones shifting or misaligning, and they can sometimes break the skin or damage tissue or nerves around the area. These types of fractures are known as open or compound, while comminuted fractures are displaced fractures that have shattered in three or more areas.
A fracture is treated through realignment and immobilization. Immobilization for a less severe break can include casts, splints, or a brace. However, more serious fractures can require the injured person to be placed into traction, where a weighted device gradually realigns the bones. These fractures may also require surgery in order to insert a metal plate, rod, or screws. A fracture can require lengthy rehabilitation that might cause an injured person to take leave from work in order to recover.
Assert Your Rights After a Florida AccidentIf you’ve sustained a bone fracture, the person or entity at fault may be held responsible. A negligence claim may be filed when an injured person believes his or her injuries were the result of someone else’s careless actions. To prove negligence, you must show:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care to act as a reasonable person would in similar circumstances;
- That duty was breached;
- The breach caused your fracture; and
- You sustained actual damages as a result.
For instance, property owners have a duty of care to many of the people who enter their premises. If you break a bone after sustaining a fall in a store or restaurant, you may be able to file a premises liability lawsuit to hold the business responsible.
Severe fractures can lead to a long rehabilitation period, which can often result in expensive treatment while a victim is unable to work. Damages that may be available after a successful personal injury lawsuit may include past and future medical costs, loss of income and earning capacity, and rehabilitative expenses, as well as pain and suffering. Even if you are also at a fault for your injuries, you may still pursue damages. In Florida, courts consider comparative negligence when determining a compensation award. This means that the court will offset the amount of damages awarded based on each party’s percentage of fault in the accident.
Seek Compensation with the Help of a Miami LawyerSuffering a broken bone can be a painful and debilitating event, especially for an older adult. Miami accident attorney is dedicated to facilitating your pursuit of proper compensation for your injuries. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, please call 877.499.4878 or complete our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation, even if you are not sure if you have a claim.