Broken bones are painful and often cause significant functional limitations. However, with appropriate care, most people with fractures or broken bones can make a full recovery. Workplace fractures frequently force people to leave their jobs temporarily or assume light-duty work until they recover. In some cases, fractures may actually become catastrophic injuries that forever impact functional capabilities and income potential.
When does a broken bone go from being a treatable traumatic injury to an injury that could change the course of a person’s life?
When the fracture is severe
Simple fractures, where the bone breaks in one place, and stable fractures, where the bone remains properly aligned after breaking, are often relatively easy to treat and offer the best long-term prognosis. More serious fractures can cause significant medical complications.
Comminuted fractures, such as spiral fractures, break a bone into many small pieces. Treating a comminuted fracture often requires surgery. People may never fully regain the strength and range of motion they had before the injury.
Open or compound fractures are also likely to cause lasting complications. Between the damage to the surrounding tissue and the potential for deep infections, open or compound fractures can cause a multitude of medical complications.
People who sustain severe fractures on the job may need to change professions, leaving them at risk of a reduction in their long-term income. They may also have substantial medical expenses.
Injuries that are more severe than most others, such as compound or comminuted fractures, can generate more expenses and trigger more confusion during a workers’ compensation claim. Having legal support during complex workers’ compensation claims can help professionals optimize the benefits they receive.