The sudden, violent forces unleashed during a car accident can cause bones to fracture in multiple ways. The impact might slam your body against the steering wheel, dashboard, or door. Other times, the sheer force of deceleration can cause your limbs to twist or bend unnaturally. Whatever the cause, bone fractures in a car accident can lead to serious complications and hardships—and if someone else caused your collision, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
The Recovery Timeline for Bone Fractures
When healing from a broken bone, the body goes through three stages: the inflammatory stage, the reparative stage, and the remodeling stage. First, during the inflammatory stage, your body sends healing cells to protect the broken area, causing swelling and pain. A blood clot forms around the break.
Next comes the reparative stage, where soft new bone tissue grows to bridge the break. This tissue hardens until you can start using the injured area again. Finally, in the remodeling stage, your body replaces the temporary bone with permanent bone, slowly returning it to its original shape.
Complications and Long-Term Effects of Broken Bones
While many people assume broken bones simply heal and life returns to normal, the reality often proves more complex. Fractures can lead to many long-term complications that impact your daily life and overall well-being.
These may include:
- Nerve Damage: When bones break, they can stretch, crush, or tear nearby nerves. This can cause permanent sensory changes or mobility issues that may never fully heal.
- Chronic Pain and Weakness: The injured area might stay sore and weak even after the bone heals. You might find yourself struggling with tasks that used to be easy.
- Joint Complications: The joints near your broken bone can become stiff and painful. You might notice that it is harder to bend or move them like you used to.
- Psychological Impact: Dealing with a broken bone can leave you feeling anxious or depressed, especially if you cannot work or do things you enjoy. These emotional struggles can be just as debilitating as the physical pain.
Recovering Compensation for Fracture-Related Damages
If you suffered broken bones in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligent driving, you have the right to pursue compensation through an insurance claim or lawsuit. Missouri law protects victims like you by allowing you to recover damages not just for your immediate expenses, but for all the ways this injury has impacted your life. A personal injury attorney in Kansas City can help you document your losses and build a strong case for a fair settlement.
Your claim may include compensation for all past and future medical expenses, including emergency room care, surgeries, physical therapy, and rehabilitation costs. You can also seek damages for lost wages if you have missed work, reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous job, and compensation for your physical pain and emotional suffering.
Discuss Your Case with Dollar, Burns, Becker, and Hershewe
When broken bones impact your ability to work and live normally, you deserve justice. The attorneys at Dollar, Burns, Becker, & Hershewe can help you recover the compensation that you need to pay for medical care, lost wages, and more. Contact us at (816) 876-2600 to schedule your free consultation and learn how our Kansas City car accident lawyers will fight for you.