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When Are Fractures Considered Catastrophic Injuries?
Not all fractures are equal. While a broken finger or toe might heal in weeks, some fractures can result in enormous consequences, permanently altering your life, career and financial future. Understanding when a fracture becomes a catastrophic injury can be crucial for securing the compensation you deserve after an accident.
In many cases, fractures become catastrophic when they:
- Cause permanent disability or disfigurement
- Require multiple surgeries or long-term medical care
- Prevent you from returning to your previous occupation
- Result in chronic pain or ongoing complications
The Law Office of Scott Righthand, P.C. has helped injury victims navigate complicated personal injury cases throughout the San Francisco Bay Area for over three decades. Here, we discuss what makes certain fractures catastrophic and how your legal rights may be affected as a result.
What Makes an Injury “Catastrophic”?
Catastrophic injuries fundamentally change a person’s life and functionality. Unlike minor injuries that can heal completely, catastrophic injuries typically involve:
- Permanent impairment that affects daily activities, work capacity or quality of life.
- Significant financial impact extending far beyond initial medical bills. Victims may face years of ongoing treatment, lost wages and the need for specialized equipment or home modifications.
- Life-altering consequences that affect not just the victim but their entire family. Spouses may need to become caregivers, children may require additional support and household dynamics often change permanently.
With these impacts in mind, there are occasions when broken bones can fall into the catastrophic category.
What Types of Fractures Are Considered Catastrophic?
Fractures affecting pivotal parts of the body or with significant complications may be considered catastrophic.
Skull and Facial Fractures
Complex skull fractures can cause brain injury, while severe facial fractures may require reconstructive surgery and cause permanent disfigurement if left untreated.
Joint-Disrupting Fractures
Hip, knee, shoulder and ankle fractures can seriously limit the body’s range of motion. Many victims may later develop arthritis or require joint replacement surgery.
Compound Fractures
When bones pierce through the skin, the risks of infection and blood loss increase dramatically. These fractures often require multiple surgeries and may never fully heal properly.
Multiple Fractures
When one bone breaks into several pieces or several bones break simultaneously, the combined impact is substantial. Recovery from these injuries can become exponentially more difficult.
What If My Fracture Is Not Catastrophic?
Even “simple” fractures caused by others’ negligence can merit compensation. You may still be entitled to damages for:
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages during recovery
- Pain and suffering
The key is working with experienced personal injury attorneys who understand how to value both the immediate and future impacts of your injury.
Finding the Right Path Forward
From the debilitating effects of a catastrophic fracture to the smaller, yet still often underestimated impact of a “simple” bone break, fracture injuries can drastically alter your life and financial stability. It is critical to understand that fractures caused by another’s negligence, regardless of their severity, may deserve proper compensation for medical costs, lost wages and pain and suffering.
Still unsure whether your fracture is catastrophic or not? The Law Office of Scott Righthand, P.C. offers free consultations to evaluate your case, leveraging decades of experience in personal injury law to help injury victims secure the justice they deserve. Contact us today to discuss your fracture injury and potential claim.
