Fractured Bones Can Cause Long-Term Disability

If you sustain a broken bone in any kind of accident, it is very common to write it off as a minor injury, given that so many breaks heal with just immobilization. However, some fractures can cause serious long-term injuries, especially if they are not handled appropriately. If you have sustained broken bones because of someone else’s negligence, you may have a claim for your medical bills, lost wages, and other harm you might have suffered.

Causes & Types

There are two types of broken bones. The majority of them are closed or simple fractures (though there are subcategories of closed fractures), meaning that the bone does not penetrate the skin. These tend to be the most straightforward cases, though this is not always the case, especially when the fracture has splintered – this is called a comminuted break, and in these cases surgery is very often required in order to repair the issue. A smaller percentage of fractures are open or compound, and these are the breaks when the bone has penetrated the skin, leaving an open wound. These are prone to infection and are generally harder to reconstruct.

The majority of broken bones are caused by sudden trauma to the area, though overuse is also a common culprit. In elderly people, osteoporosis also accounts for a percentage of fracture injuries, but in younger people this is obviously far less common. Across all age groups, trauma is far and away the primary cause, whether in an auto accident, on a sports field, or even in the home, and if you experience that trauma as a result of someone else’s negligence or recklessness, it is often just for you to be made monetarily whole by the court.

Whose Negligence?

If you do decide to bring suit against the person who caused your fracture, it is important to keep in mind that you may still recover even if a jury deems you partially responsible for your own injuries. Florida law holds that the plaintiff can recover, but the amount will decrease proportionately to their own percentage of fault. For example, if the plaintiff is held to be 60 percent at fault for their own injuries, they still may be able to recover 40 percent of their expenses.

With fractures, it is also important that you make certain to sue the right defendant or defendants. It may sound silly, but because fractures can occur in so many different ways, the issue of what type of case to bring can sometimes be confusing. For instance, if you have broken bones due to slipping on someone’s floor, your attorney may want to bring a case under a theory of premises liability, while if you break a bone being struck by a car, your case may be brought most effectively under a theory of ordinary negligence. Having an experienced attorney can ensure that your case is brought correctly.

Contact A Tampa Fracture Injury Lawyer Today

Broken bones can be much more serious than one might think. If you have sustained a significant fracture due to someone else’s negligent conduct, you may be able to hold them accountable. The Tampa fractures attorneys at the Rinaldo Law Group will work hard for you and safeguard your interests. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Resource:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0768/Sections/0768.81.html