Austin Bone Fracture Lawyer
If you fractured a bone during a slip and fall someone else caused, you’re probably angry that the conditions on the property caused your accident. You shouldn’t have to pay for medical care and other expenses if the accident wasn’t your fault. Do not hesitate to contact the Loewy Law Firm. We might be able to represent you in a case against the negligent property owner.
Hazards on poorly maintained properties can cause someone to slip and break a bone during a fall. A bone fracture is painful and can limit mobility and range of motion. The at-fault party should be liable for your medical treatment and other expenses.
At the Loewy Law Firm, we fight for injured clients in Texas. You will be our priority while handling your case. Call our Austin slip and fall accident lawyers for a free consultation at (512) 280-0800 to learn more about your options for pursuing compensation.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Property owners must keep their properties maintained. They should address issues that can lead to accidents and place warning signs near hazards. Visitors can slip and fall if they encounter dangerous conditions and break an ankle, arm, or hand.
Slip and falls commonly occur because of hazards such as:
- Potholes
- Defective stairs
- Wet or slippery floors
- Inadequate lighting
- Wires or cords running across hallways
- Loose rugs or mats
- Unusual flooring transitions
- Damaged or missing handrails
- Cracked or uneven sidewalks
- Missing warning signs near dangerous areas
- Obstructed walkways
Types of Bone Fractures
A slip and fall can cause various types of broken bones. Whether someone falls down the stairs or slips on a spilled beverage, the trauma their body suffers can lead to a fracture.
The location of the injury and the direction of the break determine the fracture type. The terms indicating the location of a bone fracture include:
- Distal – A distal fracture is a broken bone farther from the center of the body
- Proximal – A proximal break refers to a fracture close to the center of the body
- Lateral – A lateral fracture occurs when a bone breaks to the outer part of the body
- Medial – A medial fracture describes a broken bone near the middle area of the body
- Anterior – An anterior break is a fractured bone in the affected body part toward the front
- Posterior – A posterior fracture is a fracture toward the back of the body
The terms describing the direction of a bone fracture include:
- Transverse – A transverse fracture is a break across the bone
- Spiral – A spiral fracture indicates a fracture that spirals or extends along the length of the bone vertically
- Oblique – An oblique fracture refers to a break occurring at an angle on the bone
- Comminuted – A comminuted fracture involves a bone that breaks into more than two parts with additional fragments
Signs and Symptoms of a Broken Bone
Bone fractures can cause various symptoms ranging from minor to severe. The pain can occur immediately after a fall or while performing basic tasks like walking.
The most common signs and symptoms of a fractured bone include:
- Deformity of a limb or extremity
- Loss of function in the injured area of the body
- Bruising or swelling
- Pain at the injury site that worsens with movement or pressure
- Inability to bear weight on the affected leg, ankle, or foot
- Visible bones from an open fracture
Common Fractured Bones in Slip and Falls
Some bones break more easily than others, especially when the body suffers trauma. Weak bones from previous injuries and diseases are more susceptible to fractures from a bump or blow to the area.
A slip and fall might not seem like a severe accident. However, it can lead to broken bones that require extensive treatment.
The most common bones fractured during slip and falls include:
- Ankle
- Collarbone
- Hip
- Toes or fingers
- Arm
- Shoulder
- Wrists
- Hands
- Coccyx
- Foot
- Elbow
How to Treat a Broken Bone
Treatment options for fractured bones depend on the location of the break and the severity of the damage. In mild cases, immobilization is a simple solution. You might need a splint or cast to keep the bone in the correct place as it heals.
More severe fractures can require treatments, such as:
- Closed reduction – A closed reduction realigns the bone. A doctor physically pulls and pushes the body to set the broken bones back in place.
- Surgery – Several surgical options are available depending on the severity of the fracture. A surgeon can use pins, rods, or screws to hold the fractured pieces of bone together as they heal.
- External fixation – Stabilizing a severe fracture might require external fixation. It involves placing screws in the bone on either side of the break and connecting them to a bracket or brace around the bone outside the body. The fractured bone can start healing before a surgical procedure is performed to repair the rest of the damage.
- Bone grafting – Bone grafting is necessary if a fracture severely displaces a bone or a break doesn’t heal properly. A surgeon inserts bone tissue and uses hardware to keep the fractured bone together.
Compensation for Broken/Fractured Bones in a Slip and Fall
The compensation you receive from the negligent property owner or another at-fault party might cover your:
- Ambulance services, surgery, assistive medical devices, and other medical costs
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of household services
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Mental anguish
- Physical impairment or disfigurement
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Damage to personal property
You might also recover exemplary damages if you file a lawsuit. To receive this financial award, you must show clear and convincing evidence of the defendant’s gross negligence, malice, or fraud.
Statute of Limitations in a Slip and Fall Case
In Texas, the statute of limitations for slip and falls allows a two-year timeframe to file a lawsuit. That means you must file your lawsuit within two years of the accident if you want to seek compensation for your fractured bones.
Contact Our Austin Bone Fracture Lawyers Now
The Loewy Law Firm has represented clients harmed by the wrongdoing of others since 2005. We will be your advocate and fight by your side until the end.
If you fractured a bone in a slip and fall due to someone else’s negligence, call us at (512) 280-0800 for a free consultation with a dedicated and skilled Austin bone fracture lawyer.