Bone fractures can be caused by various types of accidents in the workplace. Not only is a fracture injury very painful, but a fractured bone also can be severe enough to require surgery. The severity of a fracture usually depends on the force that caused the break. If the bone’s breaking point has been exceeded only slightly, then the bone may crack rather than break all the way through. If the force is extreme, such as in an automobile crash, the bone may shatter.

Workers in almost any industry may become involved in an accident resulting in a fracture injury. A work accident such as traffic accidents, impacts with equipment, or a slip-and-fall accident may cause a fractured bone. They often prevent injured workers from working until healing is substantially complete.

Common types of fractures include:

– Open, compound fracture: The skin may be pierced by the bone.
– Transverse fracture: This type of fracture has a horizontal fracture line.
– Stable fracture: The broken ends of the bone line up and are barely out of place.
– Comminuted fracture: In this type of fracture, the bone shatters into three or more pieces.

Most fracture injuries do not cause long-term problems. However, some accidents can cause serious fractures that require months of recovery, as well as the use of metal hardware like screws and plates to repair the bones. These serious breaks and injuries can cause long-term problems that can affect victims for years, including:

– Arthritis
– Nerve damage
– Lack of flexibility
– Limitation of movement
– Joint stiffness and aches
– Chronic pain and loss of strength
– Inability to perform the pre-injury job

If you suffered a broken bone in a work-related accident, it is important to consider your legal rights. While we are one of the largest firms in Illinois dedicated solely to the representation of injured workers, we pride ourselves on the personal, one-on-one approach we deliver to each client. For immediate help with a work injury case, call (312) 726-5567 for a free consultation or contact us online.