Different people may use their own system of judgment to evaluate car crash injuries. For some people, the permanence of an injury may be their main concern. For others, the total cost involved in treating the injury might be the most important thing on their mind.
Using either approach, a broken bone probably doesn’t seem like a particularly serious crash injury. Modern medical science has the ability to set and treat all kinds of fractures. Additionally, the treatment costs for a fracture are often reasonable when compared with the lifetime care costs of a brain injury or spinal cord injury. However, fractures can be very serious injuries that require significant financial compensation after a car crash. The three considerations below contribute to the long-term impacts a broken bone can result in.
Fractures can be quite severe
A simple, stable fracture is easy to treat. It hurts, but doctors don’t need to do much to diagnose and set the fracture. Other types of broken bones can be far more traumatic and difficult to treat. An open fracture can lead to serious blood loss and infection risk. Along with comminuted fractures, like spiral fractures, open or compound fractures frequently require surgical intervention to properly address.
Fractures can lead to lasting symptoms
Particularly in scenarios where people break a long bone or the bone breaks into many pieces, people may experience lingering symptoms after the initial injury heals. Fractures can lead to long-term reductions in range of motion and strength. Those who require rods, pins or plates to help heal a fracture may find that their physical capabilities never fully recover afterward.
Fractures can lead to secondary issues
Sometimes, fractures don’t heal cleanly. People might develop infections. Other times, issues with their nervous system during the healing process can result in permanent medical issues. The debilitating condition known as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) can sometimes begin with a broken bone. People may find that their functional capabilities may suffer after major fractures. Not only do they have to address significant financial costs for their medical care, but they may also have decreased earning potential.
Treating a broken bone as a serious injury after a car crash can help people get the support and compensation they deserve. Those with more significant fractures may need to look at all their options for covering their medical costs and lost wages.