Many types of serious accidents can easily cause victims to suffer broken bone injuries. Depending on the severity of the injury, a broken bone may require an accident victim to undergo extensive and expensive medical care. The injury may also keep them out of work or unable to return to their job, disrupting their ability to perform daily tasks or participate in activities they enjoy. 

If you suffered a bone fracture in an accident someone else caused, you deserve the support you need to seek financial compensation. Contact Davis Law Center for a free initial case evaluation with a knowledgeable, compassionate personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options. For over 30 years, our firm has offered legal support and guidance to residents in Farmington Hills and throughout Michigan. We cover every aspect of your case so you can focus on your treatment. 

Types of Broken Bone Injuries

Doctors classify broken bone injuries by the fracture pattern or the direction and shape of the break. Common fracture patterns include:

  • Oblique Fracture – A straight-line break occurring at an angle through the bone
  • Transverse Fracture – A perpendicular straight-line break through the bone
  • Longitudinal Fracture – A break occurring along the length of the bone
  • Greenstick Fracture – A cracking or splintering of the bone caused by bending forces on the bone, which does not create a fracture line through the entire bone
  • Comminuted Fracture – A broken bone injury where the bone breaks in two or more places
  • Segmental Fracture – A fracture where the bone breaks in two or more places, leaving a segment separated from the rest of the bone
  • Spiral Fracture – A broken bone injury where the fracture line has a corkscrew appearance

Doctors also classify broken bone injuries based on the cause of the fracture. Common types of fractures include:

  • Stress Fractures – Fractures occurring due to overuse or excessive pressure on the bone, which can cause small cracks to form in the bone
  • Avulsion Fractures – Fractures occurring when a piece of bone attached to a ligament or tendon breaks off the bone
  • Buckle or Compression Fracture – Fractures caused by sudden pressure on the bone, such as in a fall, which causes the bone to bulge or “buckle” without snapping

Broken bone injuries also fall into categories of “open” and “closed” fractures. An open fracture (also known as a compound fracture) means the bone has broken through the skin, increasing the risk of infections and medical complications. A closed fracture means the broken bone has not punctured the skin. 

Doctors may also describe broken bones as “displaced,” which means that the broken part of the bone has moved enough to form a gap. A “non-displaced” fracture means the broken parts of the bone have stayed in alignment. 

Accidents That Cause Broken Bones

At Davis Law Center, our personal injury lawyers help residents of Farmington Hills recover from broken bone injuries suffered in accidents such as:

Treatment for Broken Bone Injuries

Treatment for broken bone injuries depends on the type of fracture, the break’s location, and the injury’s severity. A mild, non-displaced fracture may only require a splint to immobilize the bone while it heals. For more severe fractures that require additional treatment, an injury victim may receive a cast to immobilize and protect the bone during healing. 

When a fracture pushes the pieces of bone out of alignment, doctors may perform a closed reduction, which involves pushing and pulling on the body to realign the broken bone. Patients usually receive anesthetics to prevent pain or sedatives to relax during the procedure. 

Severe broken bone injuries may require surgery to repair an open fracture wound, set the pieces of the bone in the correct position, and install plates, rods, and screws to hold the bone together while it heals. Patients may also undergo bone grafting or joint replacement. 

Financial Recovery Available in a Personal Injury Claim for a Broken Bone 

After breaking a bone in an accident caused by another party’s carelessness, you can pursue compensation for your ongoing and future expenses and losses, including:

  • Medical treatment and rehabilitation, such as surgeries, hospitalization, doctor visits, medications, crutches/wheelchairs, or physical/occupational therapy
  • Lost income from missed work or reduced earnings in a part-time or light-duty role while recovering from your injury
  • Loss of future earning capacity if your injury permanently disables you from your job
  • Physical pain and emotional distress
  • Reduced quality of life caused by disability, scarring, or disfigurement

How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

Under Michigan’s statute of limitations on injury claims, you typically have three years after suffering a broken bone in an accident to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible person or party. However, when you have a claim against the state government or a local government in Michigan, the law requires you to file a written notice of your claim within as few as 120 days, depending on the type of accident you suffered. 

Because you have limited time to pursue a compensation claim after suffering a broken bone injury, you should contact a personal injury attorney from Davis Law Center as soon as possible after an accident. We’ll determine the deadline for your broken bone injury claim and ensure your claims get filed on time. 

Contact Davis Law Center Today to Discuss Your Legal Options After Suffering a Broken Bone Injury

When you’ve sustained a broken bone injury in an accident in Farmington Hills, MI, due to someone else’s negligence, Davis Law Center will provide the legal assistance you need to demand accountability and justice. Contact us today to get started with a no-obligation consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney.

Davis Law Center: your trusted partner for personal injury accident cases. Serving Detroit, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Macon County, Wayne County, Oakland County, and all of Michigan.