Broken Bone Injury Lawyers in Beaumont Serving Throughout Texas
Broken bone injuries are not only painful, but they can also be life-altering and even life-threatening in some instances. Understanding the types, causes, and legal nuance surrounding these serious or catastrophic injuries is crucial for victims seeking justice and compensation for the harm done to them by the negligence of another. Learn more about this important topic below. If you or a loved one has suffered a fracture or broken bone injury in a car crash, slip and fall, or other incident in Beaumont, Houston, southeast Texas, or statewide, contact Gilbert Adams Law Offices for a free consultation with an experienced and dedicated Beaumont personal injury attorney.
Understanding Different Types of Broken Bone Injuries
Broken bone injuries are primarily classified as either simple fractures or compound fractures. In a closed fracture, the bone is broken internally but does not puncture the skin. An x-ray might be required to definitively diagnose a closed fracture, although other symptoms might make a closed fracture readily apparent. Despite its name, a closed fracture can be painful, and without prompt medical treatment to ensure the bone heals correctly, the injury can lead to a lifetime of chronic pain and reduced mobility or function.
In a compound fracture, the bone breaks through the skin. Compound fractures are much more serious than closed fractures and require a higher degree of care to treat. Risks of serious infections can accompany compound fractures, along with more pain and difficulty healing than a closed fracture.
Other types of broken bone injuries include greenstick fractures and stress fractures. In a greenstick fracture, the bone bends and cracks but does not break in two; these injuries are more common among children whose bones are still growing. Stress fractures, also called hairline fractures, reveal themselves as cracks in the bone on an x-ray or MRI. Stress fractures or often caused by repetitive motion or stress at work.
Common Causes of Broken Bone Injuries
Broken bones can occur in a variety of settings and situations, often because of the negligence or misconduct of another. Some of the most common causes include:
- Car Crashes: High-impact collisions often result in serious injuries, including broken bones. Fractures are a common injury in high-speed crashes, as well as impacts with more vulnerable road users, such as motorcycle riders, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Collisions with 18-wheeler semi-trucks are also highly likely to result in broken bone injuries and other catastrophic or fatal injuries.
- Slip and Fall: Uneven surfaces, wet floors, or obstructions can cause individuals to slip or trip and break a bone. Property owners can be held liable for these accidents under Texas premises liability law if they created the hazard, failed to inspect the premises as necessary, or knew or should have known about the danger yet failed to take action in a reasonable time.
- Work-Related Injuries: Getting caught in or crushed by heavy machinery or struck by falling objects can be responsible for causing workplace broken bone injuries. Texas workplace safety law places duties on employers to provide safe workspaces. Workers’ compensation or third-party lawsuits may apply to a workplace accident that results in broken bones. Gilbert Adams Law Offices has years of experience representing people injured on the job in industrial accidents resulting in broken bone injuries, including oilfield, pipeline and plant explosions.
- Sports and Recreational Activities: Contact sports and high-risk activities are frequent causes of fractures. Sponsoring organizations are responsible for providing appropriate training, supervision and protective equipment. Even when participants have signed a liability waiver, they can still often hold responsible parties liable for gross negligence.
- Fights and Assaults: Property owners in many settings, from retail stores and office buildings to apartment complexes to bars and nightclubs have a duty to take reasonable security measures for the safety of those on their premises. Property owners can be held liable for assaults and sexual assaults that happened on their premises due to negligent or inadequate security.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Immediate medical attention is crucial for broken bone injuries. Typical symptoms include:
CHANGE THE ORDER OF THE FOLLOWING ….FIRST: SWELLIBG, SECOND: BRUISING AND THIRD IS PAIN/DISCOMFORT
- Swelling: Occurs around the injured area.
- Bruising: Discoloration of the skin around the injury.
- Pain and Discomfort: Usually the first and most obvious sign of a broken bone.
For a definitive diagnosis, imaging tests like X-rays, CTs or MRIs may be performed. It’s important to seek immediate medical attention after an accident, especially if you experience any of the above symptoms. Delay can significantly worsen the condition and also negatively impact your claim for compensation.
Legal Considerations After a Broken Bone Injury
If you’re a victim of a broken bone injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other legal damages. In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years from the date of the injury. During that time, as you receive medical care and proceed to maximum recovery, your attorney will be gathering evidence and building a case for the fair and just amount of compensation due to you.
Gilbert Adams Law Offices can help you get that compensation for your injury. While you focus on your physical recovery, we’ll work toward pursuing and resolving your claim. Our process includes a free consultation to discuss the details of your case, making sure you get the appropriate medical care, settlement negotiations with the insurance company, and representing you in court if a settlement can’t be reached.
Contact Gilbert Adams Law Offices After a Broken Bone Injury in Beaumont or Throughout Texas
Broken bone injuries can significantly impact your life, not just physically but also emotionally and financially. That’s why it’s essential to seek expert legal representation if you’ve been hurt. Gilbert Adams Law Offices has the expertise and experience to guide you through this challenging process.
If you or a loved one has suffered from a broken bone injury and are seeking legal guidance, contact Gilbert Adams Law Offices today at 409-835-3000 for a free consultation to understand your rights and the compensation you may be entitled to.