Broken bones, also referred to as fractures, are some of the most common injuries sustained in accidents. They are so common that they’re often thought of as minor or routine. The truth is that many broken bones can be quite severe and even life-altering.
At Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy, our Cleveland injury attorneys understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a fracture can take on a victim’s life. We’ve all heard and chanted, “sticks and stones may break my bones,” but so can a car accident, a fall, or a workplace injury.
No matter what caused the injury, we’re here to help you hold the responsible party accountable and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Broken Bones in Cleveland
Bone fractures can occur in any type of accident, especially when there is a significant impact involved. Here are some of the most frequent causes we see here in Cleveland:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: High-speed crashes or rollovers often lead to fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, pelvis, or facial bones.
- Pedestrian Accidents: Fractures are very common in pedestrian accidents, mostly because pedestrians are extremely vulnerable when hit by a vehicle.
- Bicycle Accidents: Like pedestrians, cyclists have minimal protection when struck by a vehicle, making broken bones a common and severe result.
- Slip-and-Fall Incidents: Falls can easily lead to wrist, hip, or ankle fractures—especially in older adults.
- Workplace Accidents: Jobs in construction, manufacturing, or warehouses often involve the use of heavy equipment and fall risks that contribute to fracture-related injuries.
- Defective Products: Faulty ladders, collapsing shelves or furniture, or malfunctioning equipment can cause a person to fall or be struck, resulting in broken bones.
Regardless of the cause, if another party’s negligence led to your injury, we can help you file a personal injury claim.
Types of Fractures and Their Severity
Not all fractures are the same. The type and severity of a broken bone can affect treatment, recovery time, and long-term outcomes.
Here are the most common types of fractures:
- Simple (Closed) Fractures: The bone breaks but does not pierce the skin. These can range from mild to severe.
- Compound (Open) Fractures: The bone breaks through the skin, increasing the risk of infection and requiring more intensive medical treatment.
- Greenstick Fractures: A partial fracture where the bone bends and cracks rather than completely breaking. We see these most often in children whose bones are more flexible.
- Hairline Fractures: Small cracks in the bone that can be difficult to detect but still painful and slow to heal.
- Stress Fractures: Repetitive force or overuse can lead to these tiny cracks, common in athletes or workers who perform physically demanding tasks.
- Spiral Fractures: Caused by a twisting force, these break the bone in a spiral pattern and can be difficult to treat.
- Compression Fractures: Most often, these fractures affect the spine and are typically caused by falls or osteoporosis.
- Comminuted Fractures: The bone shatters into three or more pieces and often requires surgical reconstruction.
Every fracture presents its unique challenges. Some may require months or even years of medical care and rehabilitation, but nearly all sideline the victim and deserve legal consideration.
Medical Treatment for Broken Bones
Prompt medical attention is key for a successful recovery from a fracture. Depending on the type and severity of the injury, treatment may involve:
- Initial Emergency Care: Stabilizing the injured area, managing pain, and preventing further damage
- Diagnostic Procedures: X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to determine the extent of the break and whether soft tissues are involved
- Treatment Options: Casting or splinting for stable fractures, traction to align bones, or surgery for more complex breaks using metal rods, screws, or plates
- Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy: To regain strength, flexibility, and function after immobilization or surgery
- Long-Term Care: Requiring follow-up surgeries, pain management, and ongoing physical therapy for full recovery
Even with the proper care and attention, serious fractures can lead to complications that greatly impact your quality of life.
Long-Term Complications From Broken Bones
When broken bones don’t heal perfectly, complications can arise months or years after the initial injury.
Common long-term issues include:
- Chronic Pain: Lingering discomfort or sensitivity at the fracture site, especially if there’s nerve damage
- Limited Mobility: Stiffness and reduced range of motion in the affected limb or joint
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): A rare but serious condition that causes persistent pain and swelling after an injury that isn’t consistent with the injury’s severity
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Fractures involving joints that increase the risk of arthritis
- Malunion or Nonunion: Improper healing causing the bone to grow back misaligned or fail to heal altogether
- Nerve Damage: Compound fractures or breaks involving the spine or skull that lead to serious nerve damage
- Muscle Atrophy: Prolonged immobilization leading to weakened muscles and requires prolonged rehabilitation
These complications can result in long-term disability and significantly impact your ability to work or enjoy life as you did before.
Getting Compensation After Broken Bones in Cleveland
In Ohio, the law gives you two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury claim. It’s important to act quickly while evidence is still fresh and witnesses can be reached.
Our Cleveland personal injury attorneys will gather and analyze all available evidence to build a strong case on your behalf, including:
- Accident scene photos or video footage
- Police or incident reports
- Medical records and physician testimony
- Witness statements
- Expert testimony (medical, vocational, economic)
Depending on your situation, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Emergency Medical Expenses
- Surgeries and Follow-Up Treatment
- Rehabilitation and Adaptive Equipment
- Lost Income and Diminished Future Earning Capacity
- Pain and Suffering
- Long-Term Disability or Disfigurement
Our goal is to ensure that every cost, both present and future, is accounted for in your claim.
Get Legal Help Today
If you or a loved one suffered a broken bone in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, the attorneys at Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy have the experience and resources needed to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal options. Let us focus on fighting for you while you focus on healing.
