A bone fracture occurs when a force exerted against a bone is stronger than the bone itself. When this happens the bone can crack or break completely. A broken bone is one of the most common injuries associated with an accident. There are many types of fractures and some are more severe than others. Factors that determine the severity of bone fractures are the strength and direction of the force, the particular bone involved, your age, and your general health.
While medical conditions such as osteoporosis and some types of cancer can cause bones to fracture more easily, the most common cause of a broken bone is a traumatic incident.
Here are some of the most common causes of traumatic bone fractures:
CAR ACCIDENTS
Car accidents are a leading cause of bone fractures. When you get into a car accident, even at low speeds, you can be slammed against the interior of your vehicle. If you are not wearing a seatbelt you can get thrown from the car and are at greater risk of the other car running you over or coming to rest on you in the event of a roll-over accident. These traumas often lead to broken bones as well as other injuries.
MOTORCYCLE AND BICYCLE ACCIDENTS
Bicycle and motorcycle riders are especially vulnerable to broken bones in a crash. Even conscientious riders wearing protective gear and a helmet are at a greater risk of injury than other types of motorists. Motorcycle and bicycle accidents can result in skull, rib, facial, dental, and many other skeletal fractures, as well as dislocations and sprains.
FALLS
Slip-and-fall accidents are common and can happen to anyone in any location. While these falls are often associated with head injuries, they may also include finger, hand, and wrist fractures as people often reach out to catch themselves when they start to fall. Hip fractures, which are the most common type sustained in falls, often result in long-term impairment, nursing home admission, and increased mortality according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
SPORTS AND RECREATION
In the past decades we have made significant progress in sports safety. Despite this, organized sports remain as one of the most common ways to suffer a fracture. While participants understand that injuries can happen during sporting events or practices, if the injury is caused by negligence then the injured party may have the ability to file a personal injury lawsuit. This depends on your individual circumstances.
PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS
WE CAN HELP AFTER A BONE FRACTURE
While many broken bones are not anyone’s fault and are purely accidental, some traumatic bone fractures occur due to or are made worse by negligence. In these cases, you may be able to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If someone else’s negligence caused you to suffer a bone fracture, you need an experienced lawyer on your side. Grabb & Durando has specialized in personal injury cases since 1994. We are dedicated to helping those who have been injured in Tucson.
