Broken Bone Injury

Arizona Accident Lawyers for Broken Bones

Broken bones (or fractures) are a common result of automobile accidents. Fractures occur when the physical force exerted on the bone is stronger than the bone itself. Motor vehicle accidents often lead to broken bones because of the large amount of force involved.

Common types of fractures include a broken arm, broken leg, broken ankle, broken wrist, broken jaw, and broken pelvis. The repair of a fracture is a long and gradual process, requiring the bone to be immobilized for a long period of time.

If you have suffered a broken bone in a motor vehicle collision, contact Solomon and Relihan. We are Phoenix injury attorneys with more than 30 years experience helping accident victims in Maricopa County and throughout Arizona.

Types of Fractures

There are many different types of fractures. The main categories are simple and compound and complete and incomplete.

The difference between a simple and compound fracture is whether the bone breaks through the skin. In a simple fracture, the bone does not break through the skin and there is no open wound. In a compound fracture, the bone breaks through the skin, creating an open wound, though the bone may recede below the wound and not be visible.

The difference between complete and incomplete fractures is the way the bone breaks. In a complete fracture, the bone breaks into two or more pieces. In an incomplete fracture, the bone cracks but does not break all the way through.

Treatment of Fractures

Typically, the broken bone is immobilized in a cast or splint until the bone is healed. The length of time varies with the severity of the injury and the health of the person. A child with a minor fracture may be healed in a few weeks, for example, while an elderly person with a serious fracture may take months to heal.

More severe fractures may require surgery to re-align the bone or stabilize bone fragments with pins, screws, or plates. Fractures caused by car accidents often fit into this category.

If left untreated, fractures can cause serious problems, such as damage to blood vessels and nerves, infection of the bone (known as osteomyelitis) or surrounding tissue, or permanent impairment of mobility or range of motion.

Contact Solomon & Relihan, Arizona Auto Accident Attorneys

If you have suffered a broken bone in a car accident, you should talk with an experienced attorney. For a free initial consultation with a lawyer about your car accident, contact our Phoenix law firm by e-mail or by telephone. For your convenience, home and hospital visits are available upon request.