Fractures

Fractures or broken bones are one of the most common injuries caused by car accidents and fall accidents in Massachusetts. Whether falling on an icy sidewalk, or victimized by a serious car accident, making a full recovery often depends on the accessibility of medical care and rehabilitative services.

The Boston personal injury lawyers at the Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers work closely with medical professionals -- not only to determine the extent of your injuries, but also to determine the prognosis for long-term medical complications. Only with a thorough knowledge of your medical condition can a case be built that is capable of winning the compensation you deserve in the wake of a serious accident.

Fractures, or broken bones, are characterized by swelling, bruising, bleeding, intense pain and loss of mobility. A compound fracture occurs when the bone pierces the skin. Infection and other long-term medical complications may result.

While broken bones are a common injury, that does not mean they do not present significant medical issues. In some cases, a permanent limp or loss of mobility may result. Access to rehabilitative care is another critical consideration when recovering from broken bones.

Treatment options include:

• Cast: Keep a bone immobilized in a cast permits proper healing.
• Brace: A brace may also be used to permit limited joint movement.
• Traction: Typically used to align bones for healing.
• Internal Fixation: Bones are surgically aligned and held together with screws and plates. Rods may also be used. Surgical complications can present risk of infection.
• External Fixation: Pins and screws are used to align the bones using a device on the outside of the skin. The stabilizing device holds the bones in position for proper healing.

The type of treatment can depend on the type of fracture and where the break in bone occurs:

• Simple Fracture: The most common type of broken bones; the break leaves the skin intact.
• Open Fracture: Also called compound fracture. As discussed, this results in a tear in the skin and greatly increases the risk of serious infection or other medical complications.
• Compression Fracture: Usually involves a vertebra in the back.
• Complete Fracture: Complete separation of bone.
• Transverse Fracture: Fracture at a right angle to the length of a bone.
• Impacted Fracture: Bone fragments are driven into one another.
• Incomplete Fracture: Leaves the bone partially joined.
• Oblique Fracture: Results in a break that occurs on a diagonal.
• Linear Fracture: Break is parallel to bone length.
• Comminuted Fracture: Bone has broken into a number of pieces.

As important as determining the best course of action for immediate recovery is determining the likelihood of long-term medical complications. Failure to identify future medical needs can impact your claim and leave unavailable the resources necessary for future medical treatment, lost wages and pain and suffering.

If your or a loved one has been injured in a Massachusetts accident, contact the Boston personal injury lawyers and wrongful death attorneys at Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers today for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights. There is no fee unless we are successful in making a recovery on your behalf.

Boston Injury Lawyer - (617) 777-7777 -- Free Consultation