A fracture can be defined as a break in the bone; generally caused by trauma, twisting, or weakened bone structure due to disease. Fractures are most common in young children and the elderly.
Common bone fractures
There are hundreds of bones in every human body; therefore there is a wide variety of different fractures that can be sustained. Some common fractures can be found below;
- Arm Fractures are one of one of the most common types of fractures in both adults and in children. The arm is made up of three major bones. The humerus runs from the shoulder to the elbow. At the elbow, the humerus connects with two other bones; the radius and the ulna. The most common breaks associated with the arm are Greenstick fractures where the bone is only fractured on one side and displaced fractures where two parts of the bone are not aligned with each other.
- Hand Fractures – The hand is made up of 27 tiny bones that are interconnected with muscles, ligaments and tendons. Because we are so dependant on our hands, even a small loss of function can result in a lifelong disability. Finger fractures, wrist fractures and colles fractures are maybe the most common fractures associated with the hand, all can normally be treated with a cast.
- Leg Fractures – A direct trauma to the leg can result in a painful and debilitating fracture. The four main bones found in the human lag are the femur (thigh bone), the Patella (Kneecap), Tibia (Shin bone) and the Fibula (Calf bone). There are many circumstances in which one may sustain a fracture to leg. Common leg fractures are sustained in sports injuries, car accidents, slips and falls and crushing accidents.
Types of fractures
Some common types of fractures are explained below;
A Stress Fracture is a hairline break in a bone usually down to repetitive stress rather than a direct trauma. Stress fractures are usually very painful and often undetectable by x-ray. Common stress fractures include those of the Tibia (Shin bone) and metatarsals (the foot).
A compression fracture is commonly associated with the spine, whereby one or more of the Vertebrates collapse.
An Open Fracture is a fracture in which the bone has pieced the skin. This type of fracture is also known as a compound fracture.
A Greenstick Fracture is commonly seen in young Children. Greenstick Fractures are usually the result of a direct trauma to the bone and tend to be only partial fractures in which only one side of the bone is broken.
A skull Fracture can occur after both mild and severe direct trauma to the head that subsequently fracture some of the skull bones. If the skull bones are displaced and press against the brain tissue, surgery is normally necessary.
Common causes
There are various causes and circumstances in which you may sustain a fracture, they may include:
- An accident at work or school
- A car or motorcycle accident
- A trip or slip at a supermarket
- A sports injury
- A crushing accident
- A direct trauma to the bone
Obvious symptoms
In most cases, fractures may demonstrate one or more of the following symptoms;
- Swelling and bruising
- A large amount of pain when moving the injury
- A decreased amount of feeling in injured area
- Inability to move the bone that may suggest nerve damage
Compensation for fractures
Compensation for pain and suffering for common fracture injuries depends on several factors, including:
- severity of the fracture
- how long the fracture takes to heal
- permanent, residual damage as a result of the injury
- loss of earnings as a result of the injury
- additional financial losses
As with any personal injury compensation claim it is important to seek medical advice as soon as the injury occurs. In cases of severe injury this will most likely be the Accident & Emergency department of a hospital, otherwise you should consult your G.P.. In order to make a successful claim it is essential that the injury is documented by a medical professional.
Our expertise can save you time and stress
With many years of experience in dealing with fracture compensation claims, we understand the legal issues but more importantly the human issues involved in making a claim for compensation. We work with fully qualified, specialist personal injury solicitors from across the UK that have many years of experience in dealing with claims of this nature. We believe that is it a clients right as an accident victim to be dealt with by honest and trustworthy professionals that know the law inside out so that your claim for compensation runs as smoothly as possible.
I think I can make a claim – What next?
If you would like to see if you are eligible to make a claim for compensation for your injury and losses resulting from your accident, call our dedicated team today on 020 7836 5999, alternatively you can fill out an online enquiry form by clicking here now.
