A broken bone, also known as a fracture, occurs when excessive pressure results in the splitting, cracking or breaking of a bone. Open or compound fractures are defined by a bone that protrudes through the skin, while stress of hairline fractures involve a narrow crack in the bone, usually produced by continued force on the bone. Broken bones can cause minor injuries, such as broken toes and fingers, to more serious injuries, such as in the case of broken vertebrae or a fractured skull.
There are many types of Massachusetts accidents that can result in broken bones. Massachusetts motor vehicle accidents, especially those involving rollovers, pedestrians or passengers not wearing their seatbelts, can cause broken ribs, necks, legs and arms. When someone slips and falls, especially a Massachusetts senior citizen, he or she may sustain a broken hip, leg or arm. Broken bones are often signs of child abuse or physical assault. High impact sports, such as hockey, soccer and basketball, as well as sports involving repeated motions, such as tennis and dance, are also major causes of broken bones, especially in young people.
Signs of a broken bone may include swelling, bone protrusion from the skin, bruising, bleeding, pain, numbness, tingling or reduced mobility or immobility. In order to determine whether the symptoms are due to a fracture, x-rays must be taken. It is critical to seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid the improper healing of a bone, which can cause irreversible damage. Treatment for broken bones can involve painkillers, a brace to provide support, a splint to keep the set bone in place, a plaster or air cast to secure and support the bone, and metal plates, rods or screws placed on the bone during surgery to hold it together.
Depending on the location of the fracture and its severity, broken bones can cause, at the very least, discomfort and temporary disability. In the worst cases, broken bones can result in life-changing and permanent disability, such as cases involving broken vertebrae or a skull fracture.
If you or a loved one has experienced a debilitating broken bone as a result of a Massachusetts injury accident, the Massachusetts personal injury lawyers at the Boston, MA Law Office of Gilbert R. Hoy, Jr. and Affiliates can help you get the money you need to pay for your medical expenses. Our Boston personal injury lawyers can also help you recover full compensation for your past and future lost wages and pain and suffering resulting from the broken bones you sustained in your Massachusetts accident. Please call our expert Boston personal injury attorneys today at 617-787-3700 or email us at info@gilhoylaw.com to discuss your rights and entitlements.